The United Kingdom government has unveiled 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, which will be hosted at Windsor Castle, will feature a series of ceremonial events, bilateral meetings and engagements with members of the Nigerian diaspora.
According to the itinerary released by British authorities, preparations for the visit will begin on March 17, with extensive security sweeps, 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 formally received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
A ceremonial welcome will take place on Datchet Road, featuring the playing of the national anthems of both countries and a guard of honour inspection. The Nigerian leader will then proceed in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The schedule includes a formal reception, a traditional 21-gun salute and a state luncheon to be held at St George’s Hall within Windsor Castle.
Later in the day, Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral meetings with senior British officials, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, security, migration management and port development.
The day’s events will conclude with a cultural exchange programme showcasing Nigerian artefacts and heritage, 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 is scheduled to lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster in honour of fallen servicemen.
Tinubu will also meet with the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street for bilateral discussions and a working lunch aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between both nations.
Other engagements on the president’s 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 marks Nigeria’s first full state visit to the United Kingdom in 57 years, signalling a renewed commitment by both countries to deepen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation across key sectors.
