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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has arrived in the United Kingdom this afternoon for a landmark two-day State Visit, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian Head of State in nearly 40 years.
The President landed at London Stansted Airport on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, where he was warmly received on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III by the Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Mark Bevan, and the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu.
This historic State Visit, at the invitation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, will take place from Wednesday, March 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026. The royal couple will host President Tinubu and the First Lady at Windsor Castle the first time a Nigerian leader has been hosted there for a State Visit.
The visit represents a significant milestone in Nigeria-United Kingdom relations, being the first State Visit by a Nigerian President since 1989 and the first under the reign of King Charles III. It underscores the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations and offers a platform to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Key highlights of the programme include ceremonial events, bilateral meetings focused on trade, investment, security, and cultural exchange, as well as a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection relating to Nigeria.
The visit is expected to open new avenues for economic partnerships, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, energy, technology, and ports development, delivering tangible benefits for Nigeria’s growth and development agenda.
Speaking ahead of the departure from Abuja, Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the visit as “historic,” noting that it will showcase to the world the unique and enduring bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while advancing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the global stage.
President Tinubu is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior government officials and members of the business community, to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
The President and First Lady are scheduled to depart the United Kingdom on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026.