King Charles III on Wednesday lauded Britain’s “partnership of equals” with Nigeria during a state banquet held in Windsor Castle, hosted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Queen Camilla, Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu, Nigerian officials, financiers, business leaders, and prominent sports and cultural figures of Nigerian heritage. King Charles emphasized the “deep bond” and the mutual benefits arising from this partnership.
Tinubu, in his remarks, highlighted that both nations share a vision of progress rooted in “mutual respect and common values” and noted that he was the first Nigerian leader to address Windsor Castle. Charles described Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse” and stressed that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future just as Britain is investing in Nigeria, citing Nigerian banks in the City of London and British export finance supporting Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
Attendees included prominent Nigerian figures such as Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of fintech bank Moniepoint, and Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian-Lebanese businessman with a past money-laundering conviction in Switzerland. Celebrities of Nigerian heritage present included rugby captain Maro Itoje, Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu, former footballer Eniola Aluko, writer Ben Okri, and Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage. Charles hailed these figures as a “living bridge” connecting Britain and Nigeria, calling Nigerians “quiet heroes” at the heart of British society.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of Nigerians in the UK, citing contributions in healthcare, sports, and other sectors, and acknowledged the diaspora as a vital link between the two countries. King Charles recognized Tinubu’s travel during Ramadan, marking the first state banquet during the holy month to host a Muslim head of state since 1928, with accommodations including a prayer room and iftar before the dinner.
The visit comes amid ongoing security concerns in Nigeria, following suicide bombings in the northeast that killed at least 23 people. Tinubu responded by directing security operations in Maiduguri, where Nigerian forces neutralized 80 jihadists plotting attacks in Borno State. The President also anticipated discussions with Keir Starmer and engagements with the Nigerian diaspora.
This state visit is the first since 1989, though Tinubu had previously met Charles in September 2024. Charles, during his time as Prince of Wales, visited Nigeria four times, most recently in 2018, highlighting the long-standing engagement between the two nations.
