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.

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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