King Charles III hosted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle yesterday, marking the beginning of a historic two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
The royal programme included a ceremonial reception featuring a horse carriage procession, the playing of national anthems, and the inspection of a guard of honour.
The Nigerian leader and his wife were also shown a special exhibition from the Royal Collection, featuring items connected to Nigeria.
Private discussions between the monarch and President Tinubu, along with a joint engagement with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue, were part of the itinerary. A formal reception, a 21-gun salute, and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall rounded off the Windsor Castle programme.
Following the royal events, President Tinubu moved to London to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Westminster and later met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks and a working lunch.
A State Banquet hosted by the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace will conclude the visit.
The state visit is expected to see the signing of multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Key sectors targeted for cooperation include trade and investment, energy transition, solid minerals development, and security collaboration, aiming to deepen diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
President Tinubu and the First Lady arrived at Stansted Airport at about 3:23 p.m. local time, confirming the start of the high-level diplomatic engagement.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, shared the arrival on his verified X handle, noting, “Timeline: 15:23PM. President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu touch down at Stansted Airport, United Kingdom, as a historic visit begins.”
A video accompanying the post showed the presidential aircraft taxiing to a stop before the couple disembarked. Earlier, President Tinubu departed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10 a.m., receiving a warm send-off from top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The visit also highlights growing economic ties, with Nigerian banks, fintech firms, and creative industry companies expanding operations in the UK.
Hundreds of new jobs are expected to be created, supported by millions of pounds in fresh investment. UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle remarked, “The UK and Nigeria share a belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and education to transform lives, and today’s commitments show exactly that. With Nigerian firms creating jobs across the UK and British businesses expanding into one of the world’s fastest growing markets, our partnership is strengthening both economies and delivering real benefits for people in both countries.”
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy added, “The UK and Nigeria’s Strategic Partnership is bringing momentum and opportunity to innovators in both our countries. We are reducing barriers, creating jobs and opening new pathways for growth. The relationship is helping businesses and citizens benefit from closer ties.”
As part of the expansion, Zenith Bank Plc opened a new branch in Manchester, expected to create up to 30 direct jobs.
The bank is also considering a listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2027 to raise long-term funding for its operations connecting Africa and the UK.
Group Managing Director Adaora Umeoji stated, “The United Kingdom remains a key global financial centre. The opening of Zenith Bank, Manchester, therefore, marks another important milestone in our international expansion strategy, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers, support trade and investments, and connect businesses between Africa and the UK more effectively.”
