Tinubu Begins UK State Visit, to Meet King Charles and UK Prime Minister

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday for a State Visit to the United Kingdom, where he and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will be guests of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The visit, scheduled from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19, will see the royal couple host the Nigerian leader at Windsor Castle, according to a statement from Dada Olusegun, the President’s social media aide.

During the two-day visit, President Tinubu is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. The discussions aim to strengthen engagement between senior officials of both nations and are expected to result in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

As part of the royal engagement, the President and First Lady will be invited to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria. The agenda also includes private discussions between King Charles and President Tinubu, as well as meetings with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue at national and international levels.

A State Banquet hosted by the Royal Family will be held in honour of the Nigerian guests, underscoring the significance of the visit and the deepening ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Ahead of the visit, Thames Valley Police announced security measures around Windsor, warning that any breach of airspace restrictions would result in criminal prosecution. The force said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and the Royal Household to ensure the safety of the visiting president, dignitaries, and the public.

The State Visit marks the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, following an invitation extended to President Tinubu and the First Lady by the King earlier this year.