King Charles praised a “partnership of equals” between the United Kingdom and Nigeria during a state banquet welcoming President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.
Tinubu is making the first full state visit by a leader of Africa’s most populous country in nearly 40 years. He and the king took part in a ceremonial welcome that included inspecting a guard of honour of British soldiers in scarlet tunics and bearskin hats.
In remarks at the banquet, the monarch said people with ties to both countries create a “living bridge” and described Nigerians as “quiet heroes” woven into British life. Around 300,000 people of Nigerian origin live in the UK. While acknowledging Nigeria’s colonial past, Charles conceded there are “chapters that I know have left painful marks,” adding that “no words” could erase those wounds.
The visit is designed to spotlight cultural and commercial connections as the UK seeks to strengthen its role as a business hub for Africa. Trade between the two countries is at record levels, and Nigeria’s presidency called the visit a “renewed chapter” that reflects a shared commitment to deepening trade and diplomatic ties.
“Our two nations share a vision of progress” built on “mutual respect and common values,” Tinubu told the king. Charles described Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse,” saying it had “not just changed, but arrived,” and pointed to growing investment links, including Nigerian banks operating in London and British financing for Nigerian port projects.
Guests at the banquet included government ministers, business leaders, sporting figures and cultural personalities of Nigerian heritage. Tinubu is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer and plans to meet members of the UK’s Nigerian community.
The state visit schedule was adapted for religious observance: there was no midday lunch because Tinubu is a practising Muslim observing Ramadan, but a late evening state banquet was held instead.
Earlier, Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu met Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales. The king and queen showed the presidential couple items from the Royal Collection that reflect historical ties between Britain and Nigeria.
Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko