By Danjuma Amodu | March 19, 2026
Photo: Britain’s King Charles III and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu stand with their wives Britain’s Queen Camilla (L) and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as they pose for a photograph in the Grand Corridor, during an audience at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026. Credit: Aaron Chown / POOL / AFP.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on the United Kingdom to strengthen its support for Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing that enhanced bilateral cooperation is crucial for regional security and stability in West Africa.
Speaking at a state banquet hosted at Windsor Castle, Tinubu highlighted the historical ties between Nigeria and the UK, citing shared institutions, culture, and values as a foundation for deeper collaboration in security, trade, and governance.
Tinubu pointed to the growing terrorist threat in the Sahel and West Africa, stressing Nigeria’s central role in maintaining regional stability. He advocated for closer cooperation with the UK in intelligence sharing, military training, and coordinated counterterrorism operations.
The president also revealed plans to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to advance discussions on security collaboration, trade expansion, and investment opportunities.
In response, King Charles III praised Nigeria’s religious harmony and economic influence, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing security challenges. He described Nigeria as an economic powerhouse and diplomatic voice in Africa, highlighting expanding trade and investment ties between the two nations.
King Charles III also acknowledged the complexities of the two nations’ shared history, noting that while past injustices cannot be erased, they provide lessons for building a more cooperative and forward-looking partnership.
The monarch highlighted the significant contributions of Nigerians in the UK, particularly in healthcare, education, and business, and praised Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators for their achievements.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude for the refuge and protection he and other activists received in the UK during Nigeria’s military rule, and emphasized Nigeria’s economic potential, pointing to its youthful population and growing entrepreneurial base.
The state visit, which marks the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK, is expected to strengthen trade, education, and governance links between the two countries, with discussions focusing on security collaboration, investment opportunities, and Commonwealth cooperation.
