President Bola Tinubu declared on Wednesday that Nigeria’s partnership with the United Kingdom is vital in tackling insecurity, revealing that he would raise Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies and threats to regional stability during his scheduled talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
Speaking at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night (starting at 9:00 pm local time), Tinubu became the first Nigerian leader to address an audience at the historic royal residence. The event formed part of his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
Highlighting the Sahel’s complex terrorism landscape, the President stressed Nigeria’s heavy responsibility in protecting West African stability. “In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer tomorrow,” he said.
Tinubu expressed profound gratitude to the UK for sheltering him during the 1990s military dictatorship under General Sani Abacha. He recalled how the Metropolitan Police monitored his residence for safety after threats from junta agents.
“Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship,” he stated, adding that the UK’s solidarity “remains etched in our collective memory.”
The President underscored the deep historical ties between both countries, noting that Nigeria’s legal system draws from English common law and its parliamentary framework echoes centuries-old British constitutional traditions.
He praised the Nigerian diaspora’s major contributions to the UK’s National Health Service, where Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses form one of the largest groups of international medical staff. Tinubu also pointed to British sports stars of Nigerian descent — including Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Maro Itoje, and Anthony Joshua — as symbols of the strong human connection.
As one of the largest members of the Commonwealth under King Charles III’s leadership, Nigeria pledged to support the organisation’s growth.
Despite ongoing security issues, Tinubu described Nigeria as a nation of vibrant, ambitious youth, innovative entrepreneurs, and hopeful citizens eager to unlock their potential.
He concluded with a toast “to the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”
This visit — the first by a Nigerian President to the UK in 37 years — is anticipated to produce agreements on trade, investment, defence, cultural ties, and a £746 million financing package for upgrading Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
