Monday, 16 March
The first day of activities marking the historic week-long State Visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom — the first of such visit in over 37 years — commenced with a series of high-level engagements focused on strengthening bilateral relations, trade cooperation, and strategic partnerships between both nations.
The day featured extensive business and diplomatic meetings held across key institutions, including the House of Commons, UBA UK Head Office, and a prestigious reception at Royal Kensington Palace, reflecting the renewed commitment of both countries to deepening economic and diplomatic ties in an evolving global landscape.
Parliamentary Engagement — House of Commons
The day began with my participation, alongside colleagues from the IoD Africa Group — Chairman Mr. Joel Popoola, Vice Chairman Cllr. Biyi Oloko, and myself — at a high-level engagement hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Hon. Florence Eshalomi MP, at Committee Room 10, House of Commons.
The meeting convened senior government officials, financial sector leaders, diplomats, and diaspora stakeholders. Distinguished attendees included:
• The Honourable Nigerian Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. (Mrs.) Jumoke Oduwole
• The Executive Governor of Kwara State
• Chief Executive Officers and senior representatives from Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and other financial institutions
• The British High Commissioner to Nigeria
• Members of Parliament and local government leaders including Hon. Kate Osamor MP, the Mayor of Islington, Cllr. Jackson, the Mayor of Southwark, Cllr. Lambe, and Cllr. Susan Fajana of Hackney
• Representatives of the Nigerian High Commission, including Alhaji Magaji from the Trade and Investment Section
• Business leaders, diaspora representatives, and friends of Nigeria
The parliamentary session formed part of ongoing dialogue between the Governments of the United Kingdom and Nigeria aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations amid emerging global economic challenges.
In her welcome address, Hon. Florence Eshalomi MP highlighted her mandate as Trade Envoy and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Nigeria.
The keynote address by the Honourable Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, underscored the strategic importance of the State Visit as an opportunity to reposition Nigeria as an emerging investment destination, highlighting reforms, trade opportunities, and the country’s evolving economic landscape.
At the House of Commons this afternoon with the Hon. Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Jumoke, MD of Fidelity Bank, Governor of Kwara State, the Mayor of Islington, Clir. Jackson.
Diaspora Roundtable — UBA UK Headquarters
The second engagement of the day took place at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) UK Headquarters, Queen Street, London, where a Roundtable Welcoming Reception was hosted in honour of Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
The event brought together senior bank executives led by the Managing Director, members of the IoD Africa Group led by Chairman Joel Popoola, and prominent Nigerian diaspora business leaders.
Following the Managing Director’s welcome remarks and a formal presentation of the guest of honour’s profile, participants introduced themselves before engaging in an interactive dialogue session.
In her keynote remarks, Hon. Dr. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized:
• The importance of positively branding Nigeria through diaspora engagement
• Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI) as a catalyst for national development
• Knowledge transfer initiatives and cultural exchange programmes
• Collaboration and structured cooperation between diaspora professionals and institutions in Nigeria
Discussions that followed focused on practical pathways for collective diaspora engagement, including:
• Data-driven policy frameworks
• Unity of purpose within diaspora communities
• Opportunities in outsourcing, remote work, and digital learning ecosystems
• The necessity of an enabling business environment, particularly improvements in electricity supply and national security as foundational economic drivers
The session reinforced the critical role of the Nigerian diaspora as strategic partners in national development.
At United Bank for Africa UK Head-office, on Queen Street, London, for a Diaspora Business Roundtable Reception in honour of Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. OON. Chairman NIDCOM, here with Chairman IOD Africa Group, Joel Popoola the Vice Chairman Clir. Biyi Oloko , and many other business leaders.
UK–Nigeria Business Cocktail Reception — Royal Kensington Palace
The day concluded with a high-profile Business Cocktail Reception hosted jointly by the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, and the British High Commission Nigeria, held at the prestigious Royal Kensington Palace.
The reception, themed:
“UK–Nigeria: Enhancing Trade and Investment Partnership”
brought together senior political leaders, diplomats, and captains of industry from both countries.
Notable attendees included:
• The UK Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP
• Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Hon. Florence Eshalomi MP
• The British High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria
• DBT Country Director
• Nigeria’s Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment
• Nigeria’s Minister for Culture and Tourism
• Chairman, Access Holdings Group
• Managing Director, Fidelity Bank
• Chairman, Zenith Bank
• The Governors of Lagos and Kwara States
The President, NACCIMA
• Chairman, IoD Africa Group, Joel Popoola
• Distinguished business leaders and partners of Nigeria
The evening reception served as a symbolic celebration of the longstanding historical relationship between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while also signalling a renewed era of economic cooperation, investment expansion, and strategic partnership.
At the Business Drink Reception organised by the Department for Business and Trade, in honour of the Nigeria Presidential State Visit delegation to London, here with a selfie with the British Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. David Lame , the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, the Deputy High Commissioner to London, the Department for Business and Trade Country Director for Nigeria, the Nigeria Hon. Minister for Culture and Tourism , at the Royal Kensington Palace.
Conclusion
Day One of the State Visit demonstrated strong diplomatic momentum and reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to advancing trade, investment, and diaspora collaboration. The engagements provided valuable platforms for dialogue, policy alignment, and relationship-building among government officials, private sector leaders, and diaspora stakeholders.
The activities set a constructive tone for the remaining days of the State Visit, highlighting the growing importance of UK–Nigeria cooperation in addressing global economic opportunities and challenges.
Report Compiled By:
Mazi Godson Azu
UK-Based International Relations and Politics Expert
Chief Executive Officer, CaterandMerger Consult UK
