King Charles to Host President Tinubu in Nigeria’s First State Visit to the U.K in 37 Years

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19, as Nigeria makes its first state visit to the United Kingdom in 37 years.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit, describing it as a major milestone in UK–Nigeria diplomatic relations. The last Nigerian leader to receive such honour was General Ibrahim Babangida, who visited Queen Elizabeth II in 1989.

State visits represent the highest level of diplomatic engagement and are marked by royal ceremonies, military honours, carriage processions, and a formal state banquet, alongside political meetings with top UK officials.

Although this is Tinubu’s first state visit since assuming office, he has previously met King Charles. In September 2024, he visited Buckingham Palace and later held discussions with the monarch during the COP28 summit in Dubai.

The visit comes amid growing economic and political ties between both nations.

Trade between the UK and Nigeria surpassed £8 billion in the year to October, making Nigeria one of Britain’s key partners in Africa.

In 2024, both countries also signed a new trade and investment agreement to boost business opportunities.

While details of the March visit are yet to be announced, it is expected to feature high-level talks and symbolic events aimed at strengthening long-term cooperation.

King Charles has maintained strong personal links with Nigeria, a fellow Commonwealth member. He has often expressed admiration for Nigerian culture, including Pidgin English and Afrobeats. Before becoming king, he visited Nigeria four times between 1990 and 2018, with Queen Camilla joining him on the last trip.