Tinubu Begins State Visit To UK Today

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has arrived in the United Kingdom for a two-day historic State Visit on the invitation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

President Tinubu’s plane touched down at London Stansted Airport at 3.18 pm on Tuesday.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was received on behalf of the Royal Family by Mark Bevan, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, as well as by the acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to the UK, Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu, and other senior officials.

Also on hand to welcome the President to his hotel were some senators, governors and ministers.

President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19.

The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and to explore investment opportunities for businessmen from both nations.

Meanwhile, some  Nigerian companies, including LemFi, Kuda, Moniepoint, and Fidelity Bank, have now expanded their UK operations.

A major boost was also made to the Northwest economy as Zenith Bank opened a new Manchester branch while UK’s Twinings Ovaltine opened a £24 million Lagos manufacturing facility, as President Tinubu heads to the UK for a historic State Visit this week.

“The move will see millions invested, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leading global business hub, backed by world‑class talent, strong access to capital, and a stable regulatory environment – while showcasing Nigeria’s expanding role as a key source of innovation and investment into the UK, growing both economies,” the statement said.

The visit by President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi is in line with strengthening the UK’s position as a global hub for African business.

Thanks to the UK’s Trade and Industrial Strategies – combined with commitments made through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) – the government is attracting investment into key growth sectors including financial services, technology, education and advanced manufacturing.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said, The UK and Nigeria share a belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and education to transform lives, and today’s commitments show exactly that. With Nigerian firms creating jobs across the UK and British businesses expanding into one of the world’s fastest growing markets, our partnership is strengthening both economies and delivering real benefits for people in both countries.”

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, opened its Manchester branch on Tuesday, 17 March, with the capacity to create up to 30 new direct jobs and boost 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 as FidBank UK has plans to double its 62-person workforce in 2026 and raise 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.

Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank PLC, 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.”

According to the statement, 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.

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.