Tinubu to embark on first UK state visit in 37 years

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu in Nigerian leader’s first state visit to the United Kingdom (UK) in 37 years.

Buckingham Palace announced this via a statement on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The Palace said Tinubu and his wife have accepted an invitation to be guests of the King at Windsor Castle from March 18 to 19, 2026.

“🇬🇧🇳🇬 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, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026. The King and Queen will host the State Visit at Windsor Castle,” the Palace wrote on X.

Bandits kill three, abduct Catholic Priest, 10 others in fresh Kaduna attack

Reacting to the post, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said: “First state visit of a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years confirmed. President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu to be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla from 18th March to 19th March 2026.”

The last Nigerian state visit to the UK took place in 1989, when military ruler Gen Ibrahim Babangida travelled to meet the late Queen Elizabeth II for a four-day trip.

Although this will be Tinubu’s first formal state visit to the UK, he has already met King Charles since taking office following Nigeria’s election in 2023.

Tinubu and his wife were received at Buckingham Palace in September 2024 and also held a bilateral meeting with the King on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

But a state visit allows for ceremonial pageantry, using the pomp of royal hospitality to strengthen relations with important international partners.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Tinubu heads to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, prays for Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah…

36 minutes ago

Lagos govt targets $1trn GDP by 2052, seeks more investment

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says his administration is committed to the Lagos State Development…

2 hours ago

Tinubu mourns veteran journalist, Reverend Mobolade Omonijo

President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran journalist and political analyst, Reverend Mobolade Omonijo, describing him…

2 hours ago

Customs, EFCC, WCO strengthen partnership against money laundering

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Economic and Financial…

2 hours ago

APC unveils supplementary campaign council list

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expanded President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign council with…

2 hours ago

Adeleke denies deal to share Osun legislative seats with APC

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has denied entering into any agreement with the All Progressives…

3 hours ago

This website uses cookies.