President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening security collaboration with the United Kingdom, saying the partnership remains crucial in addressing terrorism and safeguarding regional stability in West Africa.
Tinubu disclosed that he would discuss Nigeria’s counter-terrorism initiatives and the broader security challenges confronting the region during his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
The President spoke at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, marking the first time a Nigerian leader has addressed a gathering at the historic royal residence. The dinner formed part of the activities for Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom.
Highlighting the security situation in the region, Tinubu said West Africa faces complex terrorism threats emanating largely from the Sahel, stressing that Nigeria bears significant responsibility in maintaining regional stability.
“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability,” he said, adding that partnership with the UK remains essential in confronting these threats.
Tinubu also used the occasion to express gratitude to the UK for offering him refuge during the military regime of former Head of State, Sani Abacha. He recalled that the Metropolitan Police placed his residence under surveillance for protection after threats from agents of the junta.
“Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here,” he said. “That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.”
The President’s remarks referenced his exile in the 1990s as a member of the pro-democracy movement during Abacha’s regime, a period marked by widespread human rights abuses, including the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders in 1995.
At the banquet, attended by Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Tinubu underscored the enduring ties between Nigeria and the UK. He described his address at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, as historic.
Tracing the institutional links between both nations, the President noted that Nigeria’s legal system draws from English common law, while its parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional traditions developed in Britain over centuries.
Tinubu also praised the contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly within the UK’s National Health Service, where Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses form one of the largest groups of international medical professionals.
He cited prominent sports figures of Nigerian heritage, including Maro Itoje, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Joshua, as symbols of the strong human connection between both countries.
Emphasising Nigeria’s position as one of the largest members of the Commonwealth of Nations, Tinubu said the country remains committed to contributing to the vitality of the 56-member body under King Charles III’s leadership.
Despite ongoing security challenges, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the country as vibrant and youthful, with entrepreneurs and citizens determined to realise their full potential.
He concluded by proposing a toast to the “special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom” and to a shared future built on cooperation.
The March 18–19 visit is the first by a Nigerian President to the UK in 37 years. The last was in 1989, when former military President Ibrahim Babangida was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Officials said the visit is expected to yield several memoranda of understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation, including a £746 million financing deal for the refurbishment of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
