The United Kingdom has released the official programme for the upcoming state visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, scheduled to take place from March 17 to 19. The visit is expected to feature a mix of ceremonial activities, diplomatic engagements and meetings aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries.
According to details released by British authorities, the main events of the visit will take place at Windsor Castle, where several official engagements have been arranged. Preparations are set to begin on March 17 with security checks, road closures and rehearsals for the ceremonial procession ahead of the president’s arrival.
President Tinubu is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom on March 18, where he will be received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. A ceremonial welcome will be held along Datchet Road, with the national anthems of both countries played and a guard of honour mounted for inspection.
After the ceremony, the Nigerian leader will take part in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The day’s activities will include a formal reception, a traditional 21-gun salute and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall within the castle.
Later in the day, President Tinubu is expected to hold discussions with senior British officials. Talks are likely to focus on areas such as trade cooperation, security collaboration, migration management and port development between both countries.
The evening programme will feature a cultural exchange highlighting Nigerian heritage and artefacts, followed by a state banquet held in honour of the visiting president at Windsor Castle.
On March 19, the president will begin the day with a private breakfast meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla before heading to London for additional engagements.
While in London, Tinubu is scheduled to lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster in honour of fallen servicemen. He will also meet with the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street for bilateral discussions and a working lunch focused on strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
Other engagements on the schedule include a meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora community and the signing of bilateral agreements at Buckingham Palace.
The visit will conclude with President Tinubu’s departure for Nigeria from RAF Northolt. The trip represents Nigeria’s first full state visit to the United Kingdom in 57 years and is seen as a step toward deepening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation across key sectors.
