UK-Based Nigerians Welcome Tinubu’s Planned Two-Day State Visit
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Nigerians living in the United Kingdom have expressed strong enthusiasm ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed state visit to Britain scheduled for March 18 and 19, 2026.
The visit is expected to take place at the invitation of King Charles III, with engagements planned at Windsor Castle. President Tinubu will be accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for a series of high-level diplomatic meetings. The monarch and Queen Camilla are anticipated to host the Nigerian delegation during the visit.
The President Tinubu Support Organisation UK (PTSO-UK), a diaspora-based advocacy group, described the trip as a significant milestone in relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The group’s leadership noted that the visit signals a strengthening of diplomatic and economic cooperation built on shared history and Commonwealth ties.
Diaspora representatives pointed out that the British monarch has maintained longstanding engagement with Nigeria, recalling past visits to the country before his ascension to the throne. They also referenced his reception of President Tinubu in London in 2024 as evidence of growing bilateral goodwill.
Supporters in the UK say the upcoming engagement reflects Nigeria’s strategic relevance on the global stage. They argue that the visit underscores international recognition of the administration’s reform programme, which has focused on fiscal restructuring, governance reforms, and security enhancement since President Tinubu assumed office.
According to diaspora leaders, while recent economic measures have required adjustment and resilience from citizens, they believe the policies are designed to stabilise the economy and lay foundations for long-term growth. They reaffirmed their backing for ongoing reforms and pledged continued collaboration with institutions in Britain to promote investment and knowledge exchange.
Members of the Nigerian community in the UK also highlighted recent diaspora-led initiatives in Nigeria, including support for educational development projects in Lagos State. They said such interventions demonstrate their commitment to national progress beyond political advocacy.
Community representatives further described the March visit as an opportunity to deepen economic diplomacy, encourage trade flows, and strengthen people-to-people connections. They emphasised that the significance of the trip goes beyond ceremonial formalities, marking what they consider the first Nigerian presidential state visit to Britain in nearly four decades.
Previous state visits by Nigerian leaders to the UK were recorded in 1973, 1981 and 1989. Diaspora groups say they are preparing to receive the president and celebrate what they view as a renewed chapter in Nigeria–UK relations.
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