- To Meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer To Deepen Security, Economic Collaboration
- Reiterates Commitment To Building Future Rooted In Partnership, Mutual Respect
- Nigeria Has Profoundly Enriched British Culture In More Ways Than One-King Charles III
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its historic friendship with the United Kingdom, declaring that the bond between the two nations “will continue to grow.”
He made the remarks during a state banquet held in his honour at Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles III.
Speaking before members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Tinubu described the occasion as “particularly historic,” noting that he was the first Nigerian leader to deliver an address at the thousand-year-old royal residence.
Tinubu highlighted Britain’s influence on Nigeria’s democratic and legal systems, citing the Magna Carta, English common law, and parliamentary traditions as foundations that continue to shape Nigeria’s governance.
“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values” he noted.
He praised the Nigerian community in the UK, noting their vital role in the National Health Service and their achievements in sports, mentioning figures such as Bukayo Saka, Maro Itoje, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Joshua.
“The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide. Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS”.
Tinubu stressed Nigeria’s responsibility in safeguarding West African stability against terrorism threats in the Sahel, emphasizing the importance of UK–Nigeria cooperation. He announced plans to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer to deepen security and economic collaboration.
The President recalled Britain’s support during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle, when he and other activists found refuge in the UK during years of military dictatorship.
Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s role as one of the largest nations in the Commonwealth, pledging constructive engagement under King Charles’s leadership. He described Nigeria as a youthful, entrepreneurial nation “approaching the future with hope and confidence.”
In closing, Tinubu invited guests to raise a toast “to the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”
In his address, King Charles III noted that Nigeria has “profoundly enriched” the British culture in more ways than one.
King Charles III described the bond between Nigeria and the UK as enduring, adding that Britons “cherish their personal connection to Nigeria”.
“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at the highest levels of business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature and the arts, and public service,” he said.
“I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools, businesses, National Health Service and universities, including countless young people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last fifty years. Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!
“But who could have imagined that, when I first visited Nigeria thirty-six years ago today, so many of those I might have met would have gone on to have such an impact in the United Kingdom. From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria.
“Whether they are Nigerians who have chosen Britain as their adopted place to invest, trade or study, or Britons who cherish their personal connection to Nigeria, they all represent a living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations, Mr President, and help make our cultures richer, our shared security stronger and our economies more prosperous.”
King Charles III added that the state visit is an “opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s”.
“The friendship between our two countries, Mr President, is a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits. It has been described to me as a deeply spiritual connection – beyond churches and mosques – a deep bond through which we have strengthened our shared security, ensured our economies are more prosperous, and empowered each other to believe in a more hopeful future,” the monarch said.
