President Bola Tinubu don return from UK after historic state visit wey last two days. The visit wey happen on March 19, 2026, na first time Nigerian president go receive full royal treatment for Windsor Castle since 37 years ago when General Ibrahim Babangida visit under military rule.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla welcome Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for Windsor Castle Quadrangle with 42-gun salute and guard of honour. Social media don dey buzz with video wey show King Charles hold Tinubu hand with love, show say both leaders get warm relationship.
For the state banquet, Tinubu talk say Nigeria and UK dey share vision of progress and resilience. King Charles respond say Nigeria dey invest for Britain future as Britain dey invest for Nigeria own. The King mention say Nigerian banks like Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank dey expand for UK, and British schools dey open for Nigeria.
Big money deal wey worth £746 million sign between both countries to refurbish Apapa Quays and Tincan Port Complex for Lagos. This deal go help make port operations better and clear goods quick quick. Trade between Nigeria and UK reach £8.1 billion last year, with Nigeria export crude oil worth £1.0 billion and UK export refined oil worth £1.6 billion.
Tinubu later meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for 10 Downing Street to discuss trade, economy, climate change, terrorism, and Middle East tension. Tinubu tell Starmer say the whole world dey face challenges and Nigeria no dey immune, but dem must work together to improve people welfare.
Before return to Lagos for Eid-el-Fitr prayers at Dodan Barracks Prayer Ground, Tinubu attend Access Bank-sponsored art exhibition at Tate Modern where he praise Nigerian creativity. The visit show say Nigeria don return to international stage after Tinubu economic reforms wey stabilise Naira and liberalise investment climate.
This visit different from Babangida own because na under 27-year-old democracy, no be military rule. King Charles wey don visit Nigeria before host am, while late Queen Elizabeth II host Babangida for 1989. Windsor Castle wey be oldest inhabited castle for world get over 900 years history, make Tinubu visit more symbolic.
Analysts say the visit go have long-term impact for Nigeria-UK relationship as both countries continue to collaborate for defence, security, and education. The ceremonies show Nigeria get respect for international community as democracy dey grow.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
