Imran Muhammad

Africa Capital Forum: Global Finance Chiefs Debate Nigeria's Fast-Track to $1 Trillion Economy During Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's state visit to the UK, top executives from leading global banks, development finance institutions, and sovereign credit agencies met at the Africa Capital Forum in London to focus on Nigeria's ambitious next phase: how quickly the country can scale to a trillion-dollar economy.

PRESS STATEMENT OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF APC, ABUJA EID-EL-FITR MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) As we mark the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan and celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, I extend my warmest felicitations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), the Vice President, Kashim Shettima (GCON), members of the Federal Executive Council, the National Assembly, members of the National Working Committee of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and indeed all our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria. Ramadan is not merely a period of abstinence; it is a sacred journey of the soul—a time of deep reflection, sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and renewed devotion to Almighty Allah. Over the past month, millions of faithful have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the values of faith, patience, and selflessness. These virtues are not only essential to our spiritual growth but are also foundational to nation-building. As we celebrate Eid, we must carry forward the lessons of Ramadan into our daily lives, embracing unity, extending kindness to one another, and upholding justice and fairness in all our dealings. At a time when our nation continues to navigate complex challenges, the spirit of sacrifice and collective responsibility that Ramadan instills in us remains more relevant than ever. I particularly commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast leadership and resilience in steering the affairs of our great nation. His administration continues to take bold and necessary steps aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth, economic stability, and national cohesion. Leadership, especially in times of transformation, requires courage and vision, and I urge all Nigerians to continue to support the President in his quest to build a stronger and more prosperous country. Let us use this auspicious occasion to offer sincere prayers for our nation: May Almighty Allah grant President Bola Ahmed Tinubu divine wisdom, strength, and good health to lead Nigeria aright. May He guide the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and all members of the Federal Executive Council in their service to the nation. May He bless our armed forces and security agencies with courage and success as they work tirelessly to safeguard our sovereignty. May He heal our land, unite our people across all divides, and restore hope in the hearts of every Nigerian. As a party, the All Progressives Congress remains committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusiveness, and national development. We will continue to support policies and programs that uplift the lives of our people and strengthen the democratic fabric of our nation. To all Muslim faithful, I pray that the Almighty Allah accepts your fasting, prayers, and acts of charity as acts of Ibadah. May your homes be filled with peace, your hearts with joy, and your lives with abundant blessings. Eid Mubarak to you all. Long live the All Progressives Congress. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Signed Abimbola Tooki Special Adviser to the National Chairman of APC (Media and Communications Strategy) March 19, 2026

"We need to nurture the trade agreement, stimulate more economic relationships that will build our two nations, and Nigeria is currently going through a very strong reform of the economy." - President Tinubu tells British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

"We have come to renew everybody’s hope. We were elected to do that, and that hope resonates with a lot of Nigerians. As I stand before you, I can tell you that we have navigated our way out of a dark tunnel." - President Tinubu at the Nigeria Modernism Exhibition in London

UK and Nigeria Seal £746 Million ($990 Million) Export Finance Deal to Modernise Major Ports Nigeria's maritime infrastructure, the United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed on a £746 million (approximately $990 million) export finance package to fund the comprehensive refurbishment and modernisation of two of Nigeria's busiest seaports. The landmark deal, backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), will support the upgrade of the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos. These facilities handle over 70% of Nigeria's imports and exports, making them critical gateways for the country's trade. The financing, coordinated and arranged by Citibank with UKEF's guarantee, is described as the most ambitious port modernisation effort in Nigeria in nearly 50 years. It aims to introduce advanced cargo-handling systems, digitalisation, automation, and other improvements to reduce congestion, speed up operations, and align the ports with international best practices. The agreement was announced on March 19, 2026, during Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's state visit to the UK, where he met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. The formal signing took place amid the visit on March 18-19, 2026. The deal is expected to generate substantial opportunities for British businesses, including an estimated £236 million in supplier contracts for UK firms. Notably, it includes a £70 million contract for British Steel, which the UK government highlighted as a major support for the domestic steel industry coming on the same day as announcements of new strategies to protect and bolster Britain's steel sector. This partnership also aligns with record-high bilateral trade between the UK and Nigeria, recently reaching £8.1 billion annually, supported by initiatives like the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). The project is anticipated to enhance Nigeria's competitiveness as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa, ease trade bottlenecks, and drive economic growth.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu visited Lambeth Palace, the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which has served as a central site for the Church of England for over 800 years, as part of the Nigerian President's state visit to the UK.

President Tinubu concludes visit to Downing Street after a closed-door meeting with British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.

President Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, arrived at Westminster Abbey, where his convoy's approach was met with chants of 'On your Mandate' from supporters lining the street. The convoy also included the National Security Adviser, the Senate President, and ministers.

President Tinubu was welcomed by the British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla have bid farewell to President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu at Windsor Castle, following their State Visit.

Full Remarks of President Tinubu at the State Banquet Hosted by King Charles III

Let me propose a toast to President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria. ‘Naija no Dey carry last.’ - King Charles III

We can learn from Nigeria and the best of the UK and Nigeria’s partnership. My wife and I will gain strength from seeing Nigeria take its rightful place at the heart of the Commonwealth. - King Charles III

"Your visit (President Tinubu), has provided the opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain's future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria's." - King Charles III

King Charles joked about which jollof is the best, Nigerian or Ghanaian: “I was firmly assured that the jollof was, of course, only the best Nigerian or perhaps it's Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember.”

King Charles III to President Tinubu at State Banquet: My wife and I are delighted to welcome you to Windsor Castle, and we are most grateful to you for traveling during this Holy Month, which I acknowledge is no small sacrifice. It is my pleasure to wish you, Mr. President, peace, blessings, and joy. Ramadan Mubarak.

Happening Now: President Tinubu, First Lady Remi Tinubu, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and various Nigerian dignitaries attend the State Banquet held at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park.

BREAKING: His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has announced that the Shawwal moon has not been sighted in Nigeria and has declared Friday, 20th March 2026, as the day of Eid-El-Fitr.

No religion sanctions the killing of the innocent, but the monsters called Boko Haram cannot even consider them as members of the human race. - VP Kashim Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) in Borno to express his condolences and offer support to the victims of the recent terror attacks.