President Tinubu Hails Enduring Nigeria-UK Ties at Windsor Castle Banquet, First in 37 Years

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria addressed a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening, March 18, 2026, as the guest of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The event marked the first full state visit by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in nearly four decades, the last occurring in 1989—and the inaugural hosting of such an occasion at the ancient royal residence.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and their entourage at the dinner in State Banquet in His Honour at Windsor Castle with King Charles III and other representative

The two-day visit, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, underscored the deepening cultural, economic, and security partnerships between the two nations.

Adjustments were made to the traditional program to accommodate President Tinubu’s observance of the fast, including the omission of a formal lunch, with the president breaking his fast privately before the evening banquet.

President Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was ceremonially welcomed earlier in the day at Windsor Castle with full royal honors, including a guard of honor, artillery salutes, and greetings from senior royals such as Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales.

That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty.

In his banquet address, delivered in St. George’s Hall amid 160 distinguished guests, President Tinubu described the occasion as “profoundly historic,” noting that he was the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle—a fortress symbolizing nearly a millennium of British continuity.

He expressed deep gratitude for the United Kingdom’s past support during Nigeria’s military dictatorship era, recalling personally finding refuge in Britain and receiving Metropolitan Police protection from junta threats.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory,” he said, “and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and their entourage welcomed by King Charles III 

The president highlighted the shared institutional legacies, from English common law influencing Nigerian courts to parliamentary traditions shaping governance.

He praised the vibrant Nigerian diaspora in the UK, spotlighting contributions in the National Health Service where Nigerian-trained doctors form one of the largest groups of international medical professionals—sports (naming stars like Maro Itoje, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Joshua), and broader society.

Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s role in combating terrorism in the West African Sahel region and looked forward to discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on enhanced security cooperation.

The special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Commonwealth, under King Charles’s leadership, as a platform for global progress.

Concluding with optimism, he toasted “the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together,” invoking blessings on both nations and their monarch.

King Charles III, in his responsive toast, warmly greeted the president in Yoruba “Ekabo. Se Daaa Daa Ni.” (Greetings! I hope you are well.) and wished “Ramadan Mubarak,” acknowledging the sacrifice of travel during the holy month.

The monarch celebrated the “living bridge” formed by over half a million people of Nigerian heritage thriving in Britain across business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, literature, arts, and public service.

He recounted personal encounters, including a recent “Jollof and Tea” gathering at St. James’s Palace with King’s Trust beneficiaries, humorously noting debates over the best jollof rice.

King Charles reflected on Nigeria’s transformation since his visits, including one in 2018, describing it as a youthful nation of over 230 million—half under 18—brimming with energy and ambition.

He highlighted booming economic ties: Nigerian investments in London’s financial sector, listings on the London Stock Exchange, UK support for Nigerian ports, educational partnerships, and mutual tourism spending.

King Charles III proposed a toast, saying, “To the President and people of Nigeria: ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last'”

Addressing shared history candidly, the King acknowledged “painful marks” from the past without seeking to dissolve them, instead framing history as a lesson for joint progress.

He praised Nigeria’s model of interfaith harmony, referencing a meeting earlier that day with British Christian and Muslim leaders, and pledged continued support against challenges to community balance in Northern Nigeria.

Invoking Nigerian proverbs—including Yoruba wisdom on shared burdens, Hausa on adapting to change, and Igbo on collective knowledge—the King endorsed expanding intra-Commonwealth trade through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.

He echoed President Tinubu’s view of the Commonwealth’s enduring relevance, toasting “To the President and people of Nigeria – ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last!’ (Nigerians Never Come Last).”

The banquet, featuring a menu adapted for the occasion, symbolized mutual respect and forward-looking partnership.

With Nigeria emerging as the UK’s largest African export market earlier this year and cultural influences like Afrobeats and Nollywood enriching British life, the visit reinforces a “partnership of equals” poised to tackle global challenges in security, economy, and climate.

As President Tinubu’s engagements continue including anticipated talks on trade, investment, and regional stability this historic visit signals a new chapter in Nigeria-UK relations, built on centuries of connection, diaspora vitality, and shared aspirations for a prosperous future.

Read Also: Nyesom Wike: The Man Who Wins Every Court Case