By Deborah Nnamdi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to embark on a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, in a move widely described as a major diplomatic milestone in Nigeria–UK relations.
The visit, announced by the British Royal Communications team, follows an official invitation from King Charles III, who, alongside Queen Camilla, will host the Nigerian leader at Windsor Castle. President Tinubu will be accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
In a statement, the palace said: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18 March to Thursday, 19 March 2026. The King and Queen will host the state visit at Windsor Castle.”
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described the visit as historic, noting that it marks the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the United Kingdom in 37 years.
Records show that the last Nigerian leader to undertake a state visit to the UK was former military president Ibrahim Babangida in 1989, underscoring the significance of President Tinubu’s upcoming engagement.
While this will be Tinubu’s first official state visit to the UK since assuming office, he has previously met King Charles III on several occasions since both leaders took office in May 2023. Those engagements reportedly focused on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in climate cooperation, economic partnership, and global policy coordination.
King Charles III, before ascending the throne, had long-standing ties with Nigeria and visited the country several times as Prince of Wales, reinforcing the historical relationship between both nations.
Diplomatic observers say the visit is expected to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in key areas such as trade, climate action, and strategic global engagement, amid evolving international challenges.
Further details of the programme, including ceremonial and official engagements, are expected to be released by Buckingham Palace in the coming weeks.
