By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu began his state visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday with a ceremonial reception at Windsor Castle. Accompanied by his wife, Remi Tinubu, the president was honoured with a 42-gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery.
Earlier, Prince William and Princess Catherine welcomed the Nigerian leader and his wife at the Fairmont Hotel before the short ride to Windsor Castle, where King Charles III hosted the official reception. The visit included an exchange of gifts and a display of Nigerian items preserved in the Royal Collection.
A state banquet is scheduled later, where both Tinubu and King Charles are expected to deliver speeches. The programme also includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II in St George’s Chapel.
On Thursday, President Tinubu is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and engage with members of the Nigerian diaspora. Last week, King Charles hosted a reception for Nigerians living in the UK at St James’s Palace.
The visit underscores the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom and provides an opportunity to discuss security, trade, and governance ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Remi Tinubu, a pastor, will also participate in church activities, including preaching at Lambeth Palace and meeting representatives of the Church of England.
The visit follows a November 2024 strategic partnership between London and Abuja, aimed at strengthening economic, immigration, and security cooperation. Many Nigerian banks operate UK subsidiaries, and the two countries signed an economic cooperation agreement in early 2024 under the previous Conservative government.
