Tinubu meets King Charles III in UK, discusses security, port development

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday held talks with King Charles III at Windsor Castle during Nigeria’s first formal state visit to the United Kingdom in nearly 40 years.

The President, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in London on Tuesday at Stansted Airport ahead of a packed schedule of high-level meetings.

According to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu and his wife were initially received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales at the Fairmont Hotel before proceeding to Windsor Castle for the official audience with King Charles. A state banquet is set to follow in the evening.

The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening economic cooperation, including British-backed renovations of Nigerian ports, expanding trade, and enhancing bilateral collaboration. Trade between the two nations reached £8.1 billion in the year ending September 2025, an 11.4 per cent increase over the previous year.

The visit also underscores the enduring diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the UK, further reinforced by a strategic partnership signed in November 2024 covering economic growth, security, and migration issues.

Tinubu’s trip comes amid rising security concerns in Nigeria, following attacks in the North-East. The President has directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to coordinate counter-insurgency operations and restore stability.

During his visit, Tinubu is also scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and engage with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.

This historic visit marks the first Nigerian state visit to Britain since 1989, although President Tinubu previously met King Charles in September 2024. It represents a significant milestone in bilateral relations and reflects ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between the two nations.