Tinubu arrives Lagos after historic UK visit, joins Muslims for Eid celebration

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Lagos early Friday morning after completing a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, as he prepares to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with Muslim faithful.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 1:15 a.m.

He was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

On arrival, the President was received at the tarmac by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; wife of the Lagos State Governor, Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; along with other members of the All Progressives Congress.

As part of his Eid-el-Fitr activities, President Tinubu is expected to join other Muslim faithful for prayers at the Eid prayer ground at Dodan Barracks on Friday morning.

In his Sallah message, the President urged Nigerian Muslims to rededicate themselves to the core teachings of Ramadan, which emphasise piety, empathy and unity.

“We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this. We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period,” he said.

President Tinubu’s return follows a landmark State Visit to the United Kingdom—the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years—during which he held high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding economic cooperation.

A major highlight of the visit was his meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, at Downing Street, where both countries agreed on a £746 million deal to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.

The President described the visit as “very thrilling and significant,” noting that it further strengthened longstanding ties between Nigeria and the UK.

“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” he said, adding that discussions during the visit covered trade, the economy, climate change, terrorism and broader global challenges.

At Windsor Castle, President Tinubu and the First Lady were hosted to a State Banquet by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The President used the occasion to reaffirm the shared vision of progress and resilience between both nations.

“Our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values,” he said.

Earlier, the monarch had received the Nigerian leader at the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle, where President Tinubu inspected a guard of honour and was honoured with a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

The visit is widely regarded as a significant step in deepening Nigeria-UK relations, with a focus on trade, investment and strategic cooperation.

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