Nigeria and the United Kingdom have consolidated a series of landmark agreements and understandings covering migration, border security, trade, infrastructure, and business mobility in a renewed push to deepen bilateral relations and economic cooperation.
Central to the engagements were three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Statements of Intent on Migration Partnership, Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security, and the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies working with Nigeria. In addition, both countries sealed a £746 million infrastructure agreement for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, alongside broader commitments to expand trade, investment, and economic collaboration.
A major highlight was the signing of the £746 million agreement at Lancaster House for the refurbishment of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.
UK Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, Mr Blair McDougall, signed for the British government.
Edun said the deal aligns with Nigeria’s priorities on infrastructure, energy, and industrial development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.He noted that stronger bilateral partnerships would help attract investment, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
The minister added that the agreement reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both countries, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic outcomes.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed the migration-related agreements on behalf of Nigeria.He said they reflect Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and respectful of national interests and international obligations. “And hopefully this will be a template for other bilateral understandings,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s existing working relationship with the UK Home Office, describing it as commendable and strategic.
“This relationship with the UK means a lot to us, and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” he added.The minister stressed that Nigeria remains committed to protecting its citizens while ensuring that those who abuse legal migration pathways or engage in criminal activities are held accountable.
On the expansion of business visas, Tunji-Ojo described the agreement as a major enabler of economic growth, noting that visa policy reforms under the Tinubu administration are being positioned as catalysts for socio-economic development.
“Regarding the visa agreement, personally, I can tell you that I am very happy with this, because for us, this is what we have been looking forward to,” he said.He emphasised that Nigeria’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy requires the removal of barriers to trade, including challenges linked to irregular migration.
“I want to assure you on behalf of Mr President and the great people of Nigeria, that we are open to endless possibilities of growth and socio-economic development.
“So, rest assured that we will be true to this, we will swing into action and ensure all barriers are removed,” he said. UK Home Secretary, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood, described the agreements as unprecedented in scope, noting that Nigeria occupies a leading position in the UK’s bilateral engagements.
“We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries; however, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement, and we really do appreciate it.
“I think we both understand one another, and I think we have a shared vision here for the work that our countries can do together,” she said.UK Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi, said the agreement on the expansion of business visas offers clear mutual benefits and represents a bold step toward strengthening economic growth, particularly for Nigeria as one of Africa’s biggest economies.
President Tinubu described the visit, the first by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years, as significant, noting that it provides a fresh platform to deepen longstanding ties.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” he said, stressing the need to build on that foundation through stronger trade agreements and economic collaboration.National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Director-General/CEO Abisoye Coker-Odusote said the Commission plans to scale up operations and open more enrolment centres with improved service delivery.
She noted that enhanced NIN services would enable Nigerians in the UK to access essential services and connect seamlessly with Nigeria’s digital economy.
Coker-Odusote added that the Commission is also intensifying its ward-level enrolment strategy within Nigeria to extend identity services to rural and underserved communities.
“This dual-track approach reflects NIMC’s commitment to inclusive identity management and aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of leveraging digital identity for economic growth, social protection, and effective governance,” she said.
