ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for a historic three-day state visit to the United Kingdom at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, marking the first full state visit by a Nigerian leader in 37 years and the first time a Nigerian president will be formally hosted at Windsor Castle.
The visit, scheduled from March 18 to 19, will feature a packed programme of ceremonial events, high-level bilateral talks, and the signing of major agreements, including a landmark £746 million financing deal to rehabilitate Nigeria’s Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
Royal Welcome at Windsor Castle
President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu will officially arrive on March 18 and be formally received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. A ceremonial welcome will take place on Datchet Road, featuring the playing of national anthems of both countries and a guard of honour inspection.
The Nigerian leader will then proceed in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The schedule includes a formal reception, a traditional 21-gun salute, and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall.
The President and First Lady will view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria, followed by private discussions between King Charles and President Tinubu. The Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation in the evening.
High-Level Talks with Prime Minister Starmer
On March 19, President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, security, migration management, and port development
. The talks will be followed by a working lunch and are expected to lead to expanded engagement between senior officials of both countries.
The meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
Major Port Financing Deal
A key highlight of the visit will be President Tinubu witnessing the signing of a £746 million financing deal between UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Federal Ministry of Finance. The agreement will support the refurbishment of two of Nigeria’s major maritime infrastructure assets – the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
Other Engagements
President Tinubu will lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster to honour fallen servicemen. He will also attend the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing Nigerian arts and culture, and participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.
High-Powered Delegation
The President will be accompanied by a high-powered delegation including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Ministers Dele Alake, Mohammed Idris, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Wale Edun, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Hannatu Musawa, and Bosun Tijani; Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
The visit will conclude with President Tinubu’s departure for Nigeria from RAF Northolt.
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