The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has made his first official visit to Nigeria, and Africa since assuming office, arriving in Lagos at the head of a 26-member delegation of United Kingdom-based unicorn companies aiming to strengthen business ties between London and Africa’s most populous nation.
Khan’s visit came on the heels of the passing of former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, who died in London on Sunday.
Speaking with Channels Television’s Amarachi Ubani, Khan offered heartfelt condolences and reflected on Buhari’s legacy.
“I was on the plane when I heard that ex-President Buhari had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” Khan said.
The Mayor also acknowledged Buhari’s frequent medical visits to the UK, saying it was significant that the late leader trusted London for his healthcare.
“It fills me with pride that he chose London to come for his medical treatment. I hope history judges him kindly in terms of legacy. And at this time, it is really important we put aside politics and differences,” he added.
On the trade mission itself, Khan noted that he was both proud and surprised to be the first London Mayor to lead a trade delegation to any African country.
“I speak with a huge sense of pride and frankly, surprise that I am the first Mayor of London to lead a trade delegation to any country in Africa,” he said.
“We are here in Lagos, and it’s important for me to say that we are not here as patrons but as partners. Lagos is doing remarkably well.”
According to Khan, the 26 unicorn companies accompanying him were focused on sectors where Lagos and London are already emerging global leaders, particularly tech, fashion, and fintech.
“The fastest-growing tech cluster in the world is Lagos. The number one tech city in Europe is London. So it’s great to be here, experiencing the wonderful hospitality, the great energy, and the dynamism,” he said.
He revealed that some members of the delegation arrived as early as Monday morning and had already begun closing deals with Nigerian businesses.
“The idea is to meet businesses and create partnerships where we can flourish in Lagos and flourish in London.”
Khan also visited the Nike Art Gallery, one of Lagos’ renowned cultural centres, which he praised for preserving Nigeria’s artistic heritage and empowering a new generation of creatives.
“London and Lagos are two of the most culturally dynamic cities in the world. Fantastic to see Nike Art Gallery while in Lagos, a hub for preserving Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage and empowering a new generation of creatives,” he wrote on X.
