Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Lagos in the early hours of Friday following a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom, as he joined Muslim faithful across the country to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 1:15 a.m.
He was received by top government officials, including Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Femi Hamzat and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders.
As part of his Eid-el-Fitr engagements, Tinubu is expected to observe prayers with other Muslim faithful at the Eid prayer ground in Dodan Barracks.
In his Sallah message, the President called on Nigerian Muslims to uphold the core values of Ramadan, including piety, compassion, and unity.
“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.
Tinubu’s return follows what has been described as a landmark State Visit to the UK—the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years—aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and boosting economic cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit was his meeting with UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at Downing Street, where both countries agreed on a £746 million deal to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
Describing the visit as “very thrilling and significant,” Tinubu noted that it reinforced longstanding ties between both nations, with discussions spanning trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism, and global challenges.
At Windsor Castle, the President and First Lady were hosted to a State Banquet by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The Nigerian leader reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to progress and resilience, emphasising a future built on mutual respect and partnership.
The visit also featured ceremonial honours, including a guard of honour inspection and a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
The State Visit is widely seen as a significant step toward deepening Nigeria-UK relations, particularly in trade, investment, and strategic cooperation.
