President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, departed Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for a landmark two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. The visit, at the invitation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years and the first time a Nigerian president will be hosted at Windsor Castle.
The presidential couple is scheduled to arrive in the UK on Tuesday, with formal proceedings commencing on Wednesday, March 18, and concluding on Thursday, March 19. King Charles III will personally host President Tinubu and the First Lady at Windsor Castle during this period.
This historic engagement underscores the enduring ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, rooted in shared history and a strong bilateral relationship. The visit aims to deepen cooperation across key areas, including trade, investment, immigration, defence, security, and cultural exchanges.
Highlights of the program include:
A special viewing at Windsor Castle of items from the Royal Collection connected to Nigeria.
Private discussions between King Charles III and President Tinubu.
Meetings with organizations involved in national and international interfaith dialogue.
A grand State Banquet hosted by the Royal Family in honor of the Nigerian delegation.
President Tinubu will also hold bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. These discussions are expected to pave the way for enhanced senior-level engagements and the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding and agreements in fields such as trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
A major economic milestone during the visit will be the witnessing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Nigeria's Ports Authority (NPA) alongside the Federal Ministry of Finance. The deal will fund the refurbishment of two critical maritime facilities: the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Additional activities include President Tinubu serving as guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, celebrating modern Nigerian arts and culture, as well as attending a reception with prominent Nigerian and British business leaders and members of the diaspora community.
The presidential entourage features high-level officials, including:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN
Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris
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
Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed
This visit represents a significant opportunity to advance Nigeria-UK relations, fostering mutual prosperity and collaboration on shared global priorities.
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