Abuja: President Bola Tinubu will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19—the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
The British Royal Family announced the visit on Sunday on its official X handle, @RoyalFamily.
The announcement added that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will accompany Tinubu.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host the Nigerian leader at Windsor Castle, the statement said.
“The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Bola Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King.
“He will pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, March 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026,” it said.
The statement also noted that the King and Queen will host the visit at Windsor Castle.
The UK Mission in Nigeria also confirmed the visit on Sunday on its official X handle.
The mission stated, “This historic visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen the enduring partnership between our two nations.”
State visits represent the highest form of diplomatic honour between nations because they provide a platform for leaders to discuss key issues and strengthen cooperation.
They are typically aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, reinforcing strategic partnerships and deepening people-to-people cooperation.
The visit is expected to further consolidate Nigeria–UK relations in governance, trade, investment, and security, while highlighting both countries’ shared commitment to tackling global issues.
The last state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK took place in 1989.
Then-military ruler Gen. Ibrahim Babangida visited Britain for a four-day engagement hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
