Tinubu Heads to UK Tuesday, March 17 for Landmark State Visit

President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu will depart Abuja on Tuesday, March 17 for a historic two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.

Scheduled for March 18–19, the trip marks the first official invitation of its kind for a Nigerian leader in nearly 40 years.

The high-profile itinerary features a reception by King Charles III at Windsor Castle—a first for a Nigerian head of state at the iconic residence.

To ensure security, Thames Valley Police have implemented strict safety protocols, including a temporary no-fly zone over the Windsor area.

During their time at the castle, the royal hosts will present a unique display from the Royal Collection highlighting Nigerian artifacts, according to Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson in a statement late Monday given to Persecondnews.

“While at Windsor Castle, Their Majesties will invite the President and the First Lady to view a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria,” Onanuga said.

Following that, the agenda shifts to confidential talks between the King and President Tinubu, along with interactions involving groups focused on fostering dialogue across faiths both domestically and globally.

“Later, the King and the President will hold private discussions and meet with organisations engaged in interfaith dialogue, both nationally and internationally,” Onanuga said.

The British royals will organize a formal dinner to celebrate the visitors from Nigeria.

“The Royal Family will host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests in the evening,” the spokesperson added.

Tinubu has a planned session with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the official residence on 10 Downing Street.

This encounter is expected to lead to the formalization of several pacts covering areas like commerce, capital inflows, security partnerships, and exchanges in arts and heritage.

A highlight will be the endorsement of a substantial £746 million funding arrangement involving the UK’s export credit agency and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) alongside the finance department, aimed at upgrading facilities at the Apapa and Tin Can Island harbors in Lagos.

Beyond official duties, the Nigerian leader will take centre stage at an event celebrating contemporary Nigerian art and traditions.

The President will be the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, showcasing modern arts and culture.

Additionally, Tinubu is scheduled to participate in a gathering connecting entrepreneurs from both nations and members of the Nigerian community abroad.

He will also attend a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders and the diaspora community.

Traveling alongside the president are prominent figures such as Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Minister of Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Finance Minister Wale Edun.

Others include, Minister of Industry, Yrade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Mohammed Mohammed.

The presidency confirmed that President Tinubu plans to head back home right after wrapping up the engagements.