President Bola Tinubu has underscored the importance of deepening Nigeria’s security collaboration with the United Kingdom, declaring that sustained partnership between both nations remains critical in confronting terrorism and safeguarding regional stability in West Africa.
Speaking on Wednesday night at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, Tinubu revealed that he would hold high-level discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer focused on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies and the broader threats emanating from the Sahel region.
Addressing an audience that included senior members of the British royal family and government officials, the Nigerian leader described the security challenges facing West Africa as deeply complex, stressing that Nigeria bears a significant burden in maintaining stability across the region. He noted that insurgent activities linked to extremist groups operating within the Sahel have continued to pose threats not only to Nigeria’s territorial integrity but also to the wider sub-region, making international cooperation indispensable.
“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability,” Tinubu said, adding that engagement with the United Kingdom remains vital in addressing these threats. He expressed optimism ahead of his meeting with Starmer, stating that both countries share mutual interests in combating insecurity and strengthening institutional responses to violent extremism.
The banquet, which formed part of Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom, marked a historic moment as he became the first Nigerian leader to address a gathering at Windsor Castle, a site that has served as a residence of the British monarchy for nearly a thousand years. The visit itself is widely regarded as a significant diplomatic engagement, coming 37 years after Nigeria’s last presidential state visit to the UK during the era of military President Ibrahim Babangida, who was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1989.
Tinubu used the occasion to reflect on his personal history with the United Kingdom, recounting how he found refuge in the country during the military regime of Sani Abacha in the 1990s. As a prominent pro-democracy activist and member of the National Democratic Coalition, he fled Nigeria amid a period characterised by repression, political persecution, and widespread human rights violations.
In a moment of solemn reflection, the President recalled that his residence in the UK was placed under the protection of the Metropolitan Police following credible threats from agents of the military junta. He described the support he received during that period as profoundly humbling, noting that the solidarity extended to him and other activists remains deeply embedded in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“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,” he said, adding that the experience shaped his enduring appreciation for democratic values and international solidarity.
The reference to that era evokes one of the most turbulent periods in Nigeria’s history, marked by the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders in 1995, an event that drew global condemnation and intensified pressure on the Abacha regime. Many pro-democracy figures, including Tinubu, were forced into exile as the state tightened its grip on dissent.
Beyond security and historical ties, Tinubu highlighted the enduring institutional and cultural connections between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, pointing to the influence of British legal and parliamentary traditions on Nigeria’s governance framework. He noted that Nigeria’s judicial system continues to draw from English common law, while its legislative practices reflect constitutional models that evolved in Britain over centuries.
He also drew attention to the significant contributions of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, particularly within the healthcare sector, where Nigerian-trained professionals play a critical role in sustaining the National Health Service. According to the President, Nigerian doctors and nurses represent one of the largest contingents of international medical practitioners in the UK, underscoring the depth of human capital exchange between both nations.
The Nigerian diaspora’s influence, he added, extends beyond healthcare into sports and culture, citing figures such as Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Maro Itoje, and Anthony Joshua as symbols of the shared heritage and interconnected identities that bind both countries.
Positioning Nigeria within the Commonwealth of Nations, Tinubu described the country as one of its largest members and reaffirmed its commitment to contributing meaningfully to the organisation’s continued relevance and growth.
Despite acknowledging ongoing security concerns, the President projected confidence in Nigeria’s future, portraying the country as a nation driven by youthful ambition, entrepreneurial energy, and a resilient population determined to realise its full potential. He concluded his address with a toast celebrating the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, expressing hope for a future built on strengthened cooperation across security, trade, and cultural exchange.
Tinubu’s state visit, which runs from March 18 to 19, is expected to yield a series of agreements spanning defence collaboration, economic partnerships, and infrastructure development. Among the anticipated outcomes is a £746 million financing arrangement aimed at rehabilitating key port infrastructure in Lagos, including the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port, projects considered vital to enhancing Nigeria’s trade capacity and economic competitiveness.
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