Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to embark on a landmark state visit to the United Kingdom from March 17 to 19, with high-level engagements expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between both nations.
The British government released the official programme for the visit, which will feature ceremonial activities, bilateral discussions and interactions with members of the Nigerian diaspora.
According to the itinerary, preparations will commence on March 17 with security checks, road closures and rehearsals ahead of the president’s arrival.
President Tinubu is expected to arrive in the UK on March 18 and will be formally received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. A ceremonial welcome will take place on Datchet Road, where both national anthems will be played and a guard of honour inspection conducted.
The Nigerian leader will then participate in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The day’s programme includes a formal reception, a traditional 21-gun salute and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall within Windsor Castle.
Later, Tinubu is scheduled to hold meetings with senior British officials to discuss areas of cooperation such as trade, security, migration management and port development.
Activities for the day will conclude with a cultural exchange event highlighting Nigerian heritage and artefacts, followed by a state banquet hosted in honour of the visiting president at Windsor Castle.
On March 19, President Tinubu will begin the day with a private breakfast meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla before departing for London.
While in London, the Nigerian leader will lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster in honour of fallen servicemen.
Tinubu is also expected to meet with the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks and a working lunch focused on enhancing diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Other engagements include a meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora and the signing of bilateral agreements at Buckingham Palace.
The visit will conclude with the president’s departure for Nigeria from RAF Northolt.
Officials say the trip marks Nigeria’s first full state visit to the United Kingdom in 57 years, signalling renewed commitment by both nations to deepen relations and expand collaboration across key sectors.
