Windsor, England, United Kingdom — Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has signalled plans to strengthen security cooperation with the United Kingdom as part of efforts to tackle terrorism and instability affecting West Africa.
Speaking on Wednesday night at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III of the United Kingdom at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, President Tinubu said his upcoming meeting with the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, would focus on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies and broader regional security concerns.
The dinner, which began at 09:00pm local time, equivalent to 09:00pm West African Time (WAT, GMT+1), formed part of activities marking Tinubu’s official state visit to the United Kingdom. The visit, scheduled from Wednesday, March 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026, is the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
Addressing the gathering, which included senior members of the British royal family, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in addressing security threats across West Africa, particularly those linked to the Sahel region.
“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability.
“In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer tomorrow (today),” Tinubu said.
The President also reflected on his personal history with the United Kingdom, recalling the period when he lived in exile during the military rule of former Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in the 1990s.
He expressed gratitude to the British government for providing refuge and protection during that time, noting that his residence was placed under surveillance by the Metropolitan Police Service of London for security reasons following threats from agents of the military regime.
“Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship.
“Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.
“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.”
Okay News reports that Tinubu was among several pro-democracy activists who fled Nigeria during the Abacha era, a period widely criticised for human rights violations, including the execution of environmental campaigner Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders in 1995.
Highlighting historical ties between both countries, the President noted that Nigeria’s legal and political institutions have been shaped in part by British traditions. He explained that Nigeria’s judicial system draws from English common law, while its parliamentary practices reflect constitutional systems developed in the United Kingdom over centuries.
Tinubu also praised the contributions of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, particularly those working in the country’s National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system.
“Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare.
“Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS,” he stated.
He further pointed to prominent athletes of Nigerian heritage, including rugby player Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and world champion boxer Anthony Joshua, as examples of the strong human and cultural links between both nations.
The President described Nigeria as a key member of the Commonwealth of Nations, a 56-country intergovernmental organisation led by King Charles III, and expressed the country’s commitment to contributing to its continued growth.
“As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community,” he said.
Despite ongoing security challenges, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, highlighting the country’s youthful population and entrepreneurial potential.
The state visit is expected to produce several agreements between both countries, covering trade, investment, defence cooperation, and cultural exchange. Among the expected outcomes is a £746 million (about $950 million) financing deal aimed at upgrading key port infrastructure in Lagos, including the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
The discussions between Nigeria and the United Kingdom are expected to shape future cooperation on security and economic development, with both nations seeking to strengthen longstanding diplomatic ties.
