The Tinubu Media Volunteers(TMV) has described the just-ended visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to the United Kingdom on the invitation of King Charles III as a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.
It said in a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Segun Ogedengbe that the royal visit was a clear indication that the world now rates Nigeria highly based on President Tinubu ‘s leadership.
“We also acknowledge that of particular importance was that the visit allowed Nigeria to enter into some bilateral agreements aimed at jumpstarting the economy and stimulating foreign direct investments to the country.
“One of such includes the £746 loan deal for the revitalisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
“The two ports are Nigeria’s gateway to the maritime world as most imports and exports pass through them. They are also critical to the government’s revenue generation efforts as well as employment for many Nigerians.
“We therefore consider the loan vital in modernising the ports towards boosting Nigeria ‘s economy,” it added.
The group also highlighted some of the key agreements sealed between the two countries.
“The two-day state visit was also used to sign an agreement between both countries on immigration cooperation under which the two countries will receive their deported citizens and other offenders who may have served their sentences.
“One of the key points of this deal is that, unlike previous situations in which deported migrants often returned with nothing, the new agreement guarantees that returnees will have unhindered access to their legally acquired personal belongings.
“In addition, the state visit is significant as it will lead to high trade volumes, deepening of partnerships in security and the economy.
“We therefore consider the historic visit coming 37 years after the last state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom as a mark of recognition by the international community of President Tinubu ‘s progressive leadership.
“Other agreements signed during the visit were on migration, border security and business mobility. They are all focused on strengthening Nigeria-UK bilateral cooperation and unlocking opportunities for mutually beneficial gains,” the group said.
