President expresses optimism over deeper cooperation as Britain begins a new chapter under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Andy Burnham on his assumption of office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, expressing confidence that his administration will strengthen the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Britain.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, President Tinubu also commended the UK for what he described as a peaceful and seamless transfer of power.
The President said the orderly transition reflects the strength of Britain’s democratic institutions and constitutional traditions.
President Tinubu recalled his productive engagement with the immediate past British Prime Minister during his official visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026 and expressed optimism that Burnham would build on the gains achieved during that period.
“He looks forward to exploring vistas of partnership, collaboration and cooperation with the United Kingdom under the new Prime Minister,” the statement read.
The President further stated that he is eager to engage Burnham at the earliest opportunity through bilateral and multilateral platforms, particularly within the Commonwealth, to deepen diplomatic and economic relations between both countries.
President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the new British administration in advancing shared priorities and addressing global challenges.
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have maintained close diplomatic, political and economic ties since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, with both nations collaborating in areas including trade, security, education, healthcare, migration and climate change.
The Federal Government wished Prime Minister Burnham a successful tenure and assured him of Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen the strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.