March 19, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has departed London after a historic state visit that took him from Windsor Castle to 10 Downing Street, where he held high-level engagements with the British monarchy and government, culminating in key bilateral agreements between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The President, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, travelled from Abuja on Tuesday, March 17, at the invitation of Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
President Tinubu and his delegation were hosted at Windsor Castle from Wednesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 19, in what is widely described as the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years. He is also the first Nigerian President to be received by a British monarch at Windsor Castle.
The visit provided a platform for both nations to reaffirm their long-standing ties and deepen cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, defence, immigration, and cultural exchange.
During their stay at Windsor Castle, the Nigerian delegation was treated to a special exhibition of artefacts from the Royal Collection highlighting historical links between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu also held private talks with King Charles III and participated in engagements with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue at national and international levels.
A major highlight of the visit was the state banquet hosted by the Royal Family in honour of the Nigerian guests, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship.
From Windsor, President Tinubu proceeded to 10 Downing Street, where he held a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The high-level talks led to expanded engagements between senior officials of both countries and culminated in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.
The agreements span critical areas such as trade and investment, defence cooperation, and cultural partnerships, reflecting a renewed commitment by Nigeria and the United Kingdom to strengthen collaboration and drive mutual growth.
The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic success, reinforcing Nigeria’s strategic partnership with the UK while opening new pathways for economic cooperation and international engagement.
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