President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to embark on a landmark two-day state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, in what is being described as a major diplomatic milestone for Nigeria–UK relations.
The visit, announced by the British Royal Communications team, follows an official invitation extended by King Charles III, who will host the Nigerian leader alongside Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. President Tinubu will be accompanied by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
According to the statement, “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.
Historical records indicate that the last Nigerian leader to undertake a state visit to the UK was former military president Ibrahim Babangida in 1989, highlighting the significance of Tinubu’s upcoming diplomatic engagement.
Although this will be Tinubu’s first official state visit to the UK as president, he has previously engaged with King Charles III on multiple occasions since both leaders assumed office in May 2023. Their interactions have focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as climate cooperation, economic partnership, and global policy coordination.
King Charles, before ascending the throne, maintained long-standing ties with Nigeria, having visited the country several times as Prince of Wales, reinforcing the historical relationship between both nations.
Diplomatic observers say the upcoming visit is expected to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom across key sectors, including trade, climate action, and strategic global engagement, at a time when both countries are navigating complex international challenges.
Further details of the state visit programme, including ceremonial and official engagements, are expected to be released by Buckingham Palace in the coming weeks.
