Britain’s King Charles praised a “partnership of equals” between the United Kingdom and Nigeria during a state banquet for President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
Tinubu is on a state visit to the UK, the first by a leader of Africa’s most populous nation in nearly four decades. He and the king inspected a guard of honour of British soldiers in traditional scarlet jackets and bearskin hats as part of the ceremonial welcome.
The monarch said people with ties to both countries form a “living bridge” and described Nigerians as “quiet heroes” at the heart of British life. Around 300,000 people of Nigerian origin live in the UK. Acknowledging Nigeria’s history as a British colony, Charles conceded there are “chapters that I know have left painful marks,” adding that “no words” could dissolve these.
The visit is being used to highlight deep cultural and commercial links as the UK seeks to bolster its role as an African business hub. Trade between the two countries is at a record high, and Nigeria’s presidency called the visit a “renewed chapter” reflecting a shared commitment to advancing trade and diplomatic ties.
“Our two nations share a vision of progress” based on “mutual respect and common values,” Tinubu told the king. Charles called Nigeria an “economic powerhouse,” saying it had “not just changed, but arrived,” and pointed to growing investment ties, including Nigerian banks in London and British financing for Nigerian port projects.
Guests at the banquet included ministers, business leaders, sports stars and cultural figures with Nigerian heritage. Tinubu is due to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and will also meet members of the Nigerian community in the UK. The state visit did not include a midday lunch because Tinubu is a practising Muslim observing Ramadan, but a late evening state banquet was held.
Earlier in the visit, Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu spoke with Prince William and his wife, Catherine, and the king and queen showed the presidential couple items from the Royal Collection that reflect the ties between Britain and Nigeria.
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko
