Tinubu congratulates UK’s new Prime Minister, seeks stronger bilateral ties

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to Andy Burnham on his assumption of office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Tinubu expressed confidence that Burnham's administration will further enhance bilateral cooperation and solidify the longstanding strategic partnership between Nigeria and the UK.

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President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has extended warm congratulations to Rt. Honourable Andy Burnham on his assumption of office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The congratulatory message, conveyed by Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also felicitated the UK government and its people on a peaceful and orderly leadership transition. This seamless process was noted as a reflection of the strength of the UK's democratic institutions and constitutional traditions.

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In his congratulatory message, President Tinubu also felicitated with the Government and people of the United Kingdom for the peaceful, orderly and seamless leadership transition, which once again, reflects the strength of the country’s democratic institutions and constitutional tradition.

President Tinubu recalled his productive engagement with the previous British Prime Minister during his official visit to the UK in March 2026. He conveyed optimism that Prime Minister Burnham would build upon the achievements recorded during that period. The Nigerian President is eager to engage with the new British leader on both bilateral and multilateral platforms to advance the interests of both nations.

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The President recalled with fond memories, his productive engagement with the immediate past Prime Minister during his Official Visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026 and expressed confidence that Prime Minister Burnham would build on and consolidate the achievements recorded by that visit.

Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to maintaining close ties with the UK. The Federal Government conveyed its wishes for a successful tenure for Prime Minister Burnham and assured him of Nigeria's readiness to collaborate on advancing shared priorities and addressing common global challenges. The statement concluded by noting the deep historical diplomatic, political, and economic relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

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He looks forward to exploring vistas of partnership, collaboration and cooperation with the United Kingdom under the new Prime Minister.