Nigerian, UK businesses scale up investments as President Tinubu visits London at the request of King Charles
Date posted: 18th March 2026
President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu touched down at Stansted Airport on Tuesday afternoon, marking the start of a landmark state visit to the United Kingdom.
The visit, extended by invitation from Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, is the first Nigerian state visit to the UK since 1989 and the first time a Nigerian leader will be hosted at Windsor Castle. Previous Nigerian state visits occurred in 1973 and 1981 under the late Queen Elizabeth II.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday disclosed that the President and the First Lady would be guests of the King and Queen at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19. The President will also be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture, and will attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.
The King and the President will also meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally. President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, which will lead to expanded engagement between senior officials of both countries. The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will witness the signing of a landmark £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance and the Nigerian Ports Authority and Federal Ministry of Finance to support the refurbishment of two major national maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Members of the President’s entourage include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Others are Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; and Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
Also on the trip are Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.“
TRADE DEALS
UK Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: “The UK and Nigeria’s Strategic Partnership is bringing momentum and opportunity to innovators in both our countries. We are reducing barriers, creating jobs and opening new pathways for growth. Growth is the core mission of this government, and it underpins our relationship with Nigeria. I am deeply proud that the cultural and commercial bonds between our nations are thriving and that both our businesses and people are feeling the benefits of that.”
Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions, opens its Manchester branch Tuesday, with the capacity to create up to 30 new direct jobs in a boost for the Northwest economy. The bank is also exploring a 2027 London Stock Exchange listing to deepen its UK market presence and unlock long-term funding for UK-Africa growth.
Fidelity Bank’s acquisition and rebrand of Union Bank UK into FidBank UK with plans to double its 62-person workforce in 2026 and add new capital, while the Fidelity Group makes London its global hub. FCMB has also selected the UK as the first international destination for its digital cross border payments platform, boosting trade and investment flows between Africa and the rest of the world. Seven Nigerian banks now operate in the UK, supporting at least 1,000 jobs in total.
Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank PLC, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, said: “The United Kingdom remains a key global financial centre. The opening of Zenith Bank, Manchester, therefore, marks another important milestone in our international expansion strategy, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers, support trade and investments, and connect businesses between Africa and the UK more effectively.”
Nigerian fintech investment is also accelerating rapidly. LemFi will invest £100 million over the next five years as it designates London its global headquarters. Moniepoint plans to grow its London based team to 100 employees in 2026, building the infrastructure that supports millions of African users worldwide. Kuda Bank is strengthening its UK headquarters as the base for global expansion and plans to double its UK footprint in 2026.
The UK’s reputation as a global creative capital also continues to deepen ties through EbonyLife, one of Nigeria’s leading creative industry brands, will launch EbonyLife Place London, creating up to 40 new jobs and strengthening the UK’s role as a home for African storytelling and creative talent.
Also, the SCALE Creative Entrepreneur Award Programme, developed by the British Council and supported by the Department for Business and Trade, will support young Nigerian and UK creative entrepreneurs to grow internationally and build lasting ties to benefit both the UK and Nigerian creative economies.’
The UK Advertising Exports Group will announce a strategic partnership with the Nigerian advertising sector. This will include a UK-Nigeria Advertising Summit taking place later this year and a talent exchange scheme which will deepen bilateral engagement.
Signed,
VOTA Diaspora 2027
info@vota2027.org
