Tinubu and Starmer Seal Landmark £746m Deal to Transform Apapa and Tin Can; British Steel to Supply 120,000 Tonnes for Massive Upgrade

Nigeria’s two busiest maritime gateways are set for their biggest transformation in nearly 50 years. On Thursday, March 19, 2026, President Bola Tinubu and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer finalized a historic £746 million export finance deal in London to refurbish the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and the Tin Can Island Port.

The deal, signed during President Tinubu’s “thrilling” state visit to the UK, marks a turning point for Nigerian trade. For decades, these ports have struggled with manual processes and aging infrastructure, causing massive traffic jams and high costs for businesses. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, explained that this isn’t just a “repair job” but a total digital overhaul that will make Nigeria the top maritime hub in West Africa.

Prime Minister Starmer described the agreement as a “major win” for both nations. While Nigeria gets world-class ports, the UK economy benefits too. At least 20% of the project’s parts must come from British companies, including a record-breaking £70 million contract for British Steel to provide the materials needed for the rebuild.

President Tinubu noted that this partnership comes at a vital time as Nigeria undergoes “strong economic reforms.” He emphasized that modernizing these ports will lower the cost of living by making it cheaper and faster to bring goods into the country. With construction expected to start soon, the “Solution” for Nigeria’s port congestion finally seems to be on the horizon.