Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed new export agreements aimed at strengthening their economic partnership, Keir Starmer announced on Thursday.
The disclosure came during a bilateral meeting with Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 10 Downing Street, on the second day of the Nigerian leader’s historic state visit to Britain—the first by a Nigerian president in 37 years.
“Today is the opportunity to take that to another level with the agreements that we’ve been able to reach on exports, and I think that shows we can go even further than we’ve already gone,” Starmer said.
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing “strong reform of the economy” and linked regional terrorism challenges to climate-related conflicts in West Africa.
“We need more trade agreements and economic relationships that we build between nations. Nigeria is currently going through a very strong reform of the economy,” Tinubu stated. “Currently, the entire world is challenged. Nigeria is not immune. Britain is not immune.”
The discussions centered on economic welfare, trade expansion, and improving livelihoods amid global economic volatility, with both leaders agreeing to deepen collaboration in trade, defence, and security.
Tinubu also emphasized that Thursday’s talks would explore how Britain can accelerate friendship, partnership, and collaboration with Nigeria.
The state visit has already yielded significant agreements, including a £746 million financing deal involving UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Ministry of Finance for the refurbishment of Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and Tin Can Island Port.
King Charles III, during Wednesday night’s state banquet at Windsor Castle, acknowledged the “painful marks” in the shared history between the two countries, while praising Nigeria’s transformation and contributions of the Nigerian diaspora to British society.
The visit also saw the signing of several memoranda of understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation. Reports show that Nigeria became the UK’s largest export market in Africa in January 2026, with bilateral trade continuing to grow.
The state visit concludes on Thursday with President Tinubu expected to return to Nigeria, leaving both nations with strengthened economic ties and a roadmap for deeper collaboration.
