President Tinubu Embarks on Historic State Visit to UK, First in 37 Years, Hosted by King Charles III
President Tinubu Begins Historic State Visit to United Kingdom
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, departed Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, for a State Visit to the United Kingdom as guests of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
This visit marks the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years and sees President Tinubu as the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle. Nigeria and the United Kingdom share a deep history of ties and a special bond, with the purpose of the visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for collaboration on issues such as immigration, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Royal Hospitality at Windsor Castle
King Charles III will host President Tinubu and the First Lady at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19. During their stay, Their Majesties will invite the presidential couple to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.
The itinerary includes private discussions between the King and the President, as well as meetings with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally. In the evening, the Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests.
Bilateral Engagements with UK Leadership
Beyond the royal engagements, President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. This meeting is expected to lead to expanded bilateral engagement between senior officials of the two countries and will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
A key highlight will be President Tinubu witnessing the signing of a landmark £746 million financing deal between the UK Export Finance (UKEF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Finance. This deal aims to support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major national maritime infrastructure: the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Cultural and Business Events
The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases modern arts and culture. Additionally, he will attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community, further underscoring the visit’s emphasis on cultural exchange and economic ties.
High-Profile Nigerian Delegation
Accompanying President Tinubu is a robust entourage of senior Nigerian officials, reflecting the importance of the visit. Key members include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed.
Other delegates are Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
Significance of the Visit
This State Visit holds substantial diplomatic weight, being the first of its kind in over three decades. It provides a platform to deepen Nigeria-UK relations across critical sectors. The signing of MoUs and the major ports financing agreement signal potential boosts to Nigeria’s trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
The cultural elements, including the Royal Collection exhibition and the Nigerian Modernism showcase, highlight shared heritage and ongoing cultural dialogues. Engagements with business leaders and the diaspora are poised to foster new opportunities for economic collaboration, while discussions on immigration and defence address mutual interests in security and mobility.
The interfaith dialogue meetings further emphasise collaborative efforts on global and national issues, aligning with broader diplomatic goals. President Tinubu’s meetings at the highest levels, from the monarchy to the Prime Minister’s office, position this visit as a cornerstone for enhanced partnership.
Return to Nigeria
President Tinubu will return to the country at the conclusion of the State Visit, bringing back the outcomes of these high-level engagements to advance Nigeria’s national interests.
The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on March 16, 2026, ahead of the departure from Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.