News
UK, Nigeria Collaborate on Major £746m Port Modernisation
Nigeria UK port redevelopment deal worth £746m signed to revamp Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, boosting trade and infrastructure investment
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a £746 million export finance deal to support the redevelopment of two major Lagos ports, Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port.
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The agreement was finalised during a meeting between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Bola Tinubu at Downing Street on Thursday.
Under the deal, UK Export Finance will guarantee loans to fund the refurbishment of the port complexes, with Citibank coordinating the financing arrangement.
As part of the agreement, British Steel will supply 120,000 tonnes of steel for the projects under a £70 million contract.
The deal is projected to generate £236 million in supplier contracts for British companies, with at least 20 percent of project components sourced from the UK.
The UK government noted that this steel contract represents the largest export backed by UK Export Finance for British Steel to date.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by Wale Edun, and on behalf of the UK by Blair McDougall MP. Wale Edun stated that the deal aligns with Nigeria’s priority on infrastructure, energy, and industrial development and underscores growing confidence and mutual trust between both nations.
Adegboyega Oyetola added that the redevelopment of the ports would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa, enhancing regional trade.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as historic, marking the first deal signed by a West African leader in 37 years.
Bola Tinubu, on the first Nigerian state visit to the UK in nearly four decades, called the visit “thrilling and significant” in deepening bilateral relations, noting discussions on trade, the economy, climate change, and global security challenges.
The visit also includes a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and Asset Green Limited to develop an integrated dairy production platform in Nigeria, further strengthening trade and investment ties.
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The port redevelopment initiative is expected to boost infrastructure, create jobs, and enhance economic activity, forming a key component of Nigeria’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda for national development.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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