Downing Street said the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 19 March 2026, reaffirming UK–Nigeria ties grounded in Commonwealth links and strong community and business connections. The meeting coincided with the President’s 18–19 March State Visit to the UK. (gov.uk)
Both leaders committed to deepen long‑term cooperation on trade, infrastructure and sustainable growth. The Prime Minister highlighted an agreement to support redevelopment of two of Nigeria’s major trading ports, with British Steel to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets to Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria, supporting jobs in the UK. (gov.uk)
Industry reporting indicates the projects focus on Lagos Apapa and Tin Can Island, following a 1 December 2025 memorandum of understanding between British Steel and Hitech Construction Africa at a UK Export Finance Supplier Fair, with materials to be supplied to ITB‑Hitech Nigeria. (steeltimesint.com)
Modernising these gateways is framed as a route to raise operational efficiency and expand Nigeria’s trade capacity, while UK suppliers secure export orders within a wider rehabilitation programme. Practitioners should expect detailed delivery schedules to be set once contractors finalise phasing and logistics. (steeltimesint.com)
On defence and security, both sides agreed to closer coordination to enhance responses to transnational crime and terrorism. On migration, they agreed to improve procedures on returns. (gov.uk)
Home Office guidance shows the returns process involves caseworking and documentation, and that reintegration assistance is available in some countries, including Nigeria; any procedural improvements would interact with these existing mechanisms. (gov.uk)
The leaders also discussed the crisis in Sudan. Downing Street said the Prime Minister provided an update on UK humanitarian action, while the Foreign Secretary told Parliament on 5 February 2026 that Sudan remains a priority for UK aid and diplomacy. (gov.uk)
Officials indicated continued engagement, with both sides expecting to speak again. Delivery now moves to departments and implementing partners to translate commitments into procurement, scheduling and casework. (gov.uk)