Apapa, Tin Can upgrades anchor renewed economic partnership as President urges stronger bilateral cooperation

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for a strengthening of Nigeria-United Kingdom economic ties, as both countries sealed a £746 million agreement to refurbish two of Nigeria’s busiest seaports in Lagos.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, explained that the deal, targeting the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, was one of the key outcomes of Tinubu’s meeting with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, London, signalling a renewed push to translate longstanding diplomatic relations into tangible economic gains.

Tinubu described the engagement as a significant step toward deepening bilateral cooperation, noting that both countries must build on their shared history to unlock greater trade and investment opportunities.

“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” the President said ahead of bilateral talks.

He emphasised that discussions with the British government would span trade, economic reforms, climate change, terrorism, and broader global challenges, reflecting the evolving scope of Nigeria-UK relations.

“Nigeria is currently going through strong reforms of its economy, and we will discuss that further in our bilateral discussions,” he said.

Placing Nigeria’s economic situation within a global context, Tinubu noted that current challenges are not unique to the country.

“Currently, the entire world is challenged. Nigeria is not immune to what is happening around the world. I have seen your reactions on television on certain developments.

“My reaction, as you rightly said, is the economy and the welfare of the people and how we should work together to improve the livelihood of our people,” he added.

Prime Minister Starmer, in his remarks, described the visit as historic, underscoring its symbolic and strategic importance, including the State Banquet hosted by the King in honour of the Nigerian delegation.

He reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to its enduring relationship with Nigeria, highlighting strong people-to-people ties and existing collaboration across key sectors.

According to him, both countries are already working closely in areas such as the economy, defence, and security, while newly reached agreements on exports and business exchanges signal a shared determination to expand cooperation and jointly address global challenges.

The highlight of the visit came at Lancaster House, where President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the signing of the £746 million agreement for the upgrade of critical port infrastructure in Lagos.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, while the UK Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall MP, signed for the British government.

Edun said the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s strategic priorities in infrastructure development, energy, and industrial growth, noting that improved port capacity is critical to boosting trade efficiency and economic productivity.

He added that strengthening bilateral partnerships remains key to attracting the scale of investment required to drive job creation and reduce poverty, in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, the deal reflects growing investor confidence and mutual trust between both countries, as well as a shared commitment to deliver measurable economic outcomes.

The port modernisation project is expected to enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness, reduce congestion at key maritime gateways, and reinforce the broader objective of positioning the country as a leading economic hub in West Africa.