The United Kingdom has finalised a £70m steel export agreement with Nigeria, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London during a landmark state visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The deal will see British Steel supply 120,000 tonnes of steel for the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s busiest maritime hubs in Lagos, marking a significant boost for UK industrial exports and Nigeria’s infrastructure ambitions.
Trade, infrastructure and strategy align
The agreement forms part of a broader UK–Nigeria partnership focused on trade expansion, infrastructure modernisation and long-term economic cooperation. Both governments are leveraging the deal to deepen commercial ties while addressing shared priorities including logistics efficiency, regional trade and investment flows.
Ports overhaul backed by UK financing
The steel contract is embedded within a wider £746m UK-backed financing deal for Lagos ports agreed between London and Abuja.
The funding is supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF), which has guaranteed loans issued by participating banks. Under the arrangement, at least 20 percent of all project contracts must be sourced from UK companies.
Officials confirmed that a minimum of £236m in supplier contracts will go to British firms, with the £70m steel component representing the largest single export supported by UKEF to date.
UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the agreement would ‘reinforce British Steel’s world-class expertise while supporting jobs and growth in Scunthorpe’.
Nigeria targets regional maritime leadership
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the port redevelopment would ‘strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in west and central Africa’.
The Lagos ports serve as a critical gateway for trade in Africa’s largest economy, handling a substantial share of imports and exports. The planned upgrades are expected to reduce congestion, improve operational efficiency and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional logistics.
For context, the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader deep seaport expansion strategy aimed at boosting regional trade capacity.
Royal ceremony underscores diplomatic reset
President Tinubu’s visit has been marked by high-level ceremonial engagements, including a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
During the event, the King highlighted what he described as a ‘living bridge’ between the UK and Nigeria, reflecting longstanding historical and cultural connections between the two nations.
The visit is also notable for taking place during Ramadan, making Tinubu one of the few Muslim leaders in recent history to undertake a UK state visit during the holy month. Adjustments were made to official engagements, including the provision of a dedicated prayer space at Windsor Castle.
Expanding cooperation beyond steel
Beyond the headline steel deal, both countries are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at unlocking further trade and investment opportunities across sectors such as energy, technology and infrastructure.
The agreement builds on existing commercial ties facilitated through institutions such as the UK–Nigeria trade and investment network.
Tinubu indicated that discussions with Starmer would also address shared global challenges, including terrorism and climate change, as both nations seek to strengthen strategic cooperation.
Security backdrop remains a concern
The visit comes amid renewed security challenges in Nigeria’s north-east. Earlier this week, a series of suspected suicide bombings in Borno state killed at least 23 people and injured more than 100 others. Authorities have blamed the attacks on Boko Haram militants.
While security concerns persist, officials from both countries have emphasised that economic cooperation and infrastructure investment remain central to long-term stability and growth.
Credit: Africabriefing
