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

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, on his assumption of office, expressing confidence that his administration will deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen the longstanding strategic partnership between Nigeria and the UK.

Tinubu’s message was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

The ministry noted that Tinubu recalled his recent engagement with the immediate past British Prime Minister and expressed optimism that the new administration would build on the gains already recorded.

The statement partly read, “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.

“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.

“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.”

The statement added that the President was eager to engage the new British leader through bilateral and multilateral platforms to advance the interests of both countries.

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

“President Tinubu further expressed his desire to engage with Prime Minister Burnham at the earliest opportunity, bilaterally and multilaterally, especially under the auspices of the Commonwealth, to deepen bilateral relations and strengthen the strategic partnership between both countries for the benefit of their peoples.”

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining close ties with the UK, the Federal Government wished the new Prime Minister a successful tenure.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria wishes Prime Minister Andy Burnham a successful tenure in office and assures him of Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with his administration in advancing shared priorities and addressing common global challenges”, the statement concluded,

Nigeria and the United Kingdom maintain longstanding diplomatic, political and economic relations dating back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

The UK remains one of Nigeria’s key trading and investment partners, while both countries collaborate on security, education, healthcare, migration, climate change and regional development through bilateral engagements and the Commonwealth.