Tinubu Congratulates UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Seeks Stronger Nigeria-UK Ties

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, on his assumption of office, expressing confidence that Nigeria and the UK would deepen their longstanding bilateral relations under the new administration.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Tuesday evening.

“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 statement read.

Tinubu also congratulated the Government and people of the United Kingdom on what he described as a peaceful, orderly and seamless leadership transition.

“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.”

According to the President, the transition once again demonstrated “the strength of the country’s democratic institutions and constitutional tradition.”

Tinubu said he looked forward to working closely with Burnham to expand cooperation between both countries across areas of mutual interest.

The President recalled his engagement with the immediate past British Prime Minister during his official visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026, expressing optimism that the new Prime Minister would sustain and build on those gains.

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

Tinubu also expressed his desire to meet with Burnham at the earliest opportunity through bilateral and multilateral engagements, particularly within the Commonwealth framework.

The President said such engagements would deepen bilateral relations and strengthen the strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, to the benefit of both countries.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the relationship, the Federal Government wished Burnham a successful tenure in office and assured him of its readiness to work closely with his administration to advance shared priorities and tackle common global challenges.

LEADERSHIP reports that Burnham became the UK’s prime minister on Monday, weeks after Keir Starmer’s resignation.