King Charles, Queen Camilla host Tinubu, wife at Windsor Castle

President, First Lady to arrive on carriage

Cultural event, banquet to hold

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu arrived in the United Kingdom (UK) yesterday ahead of the two-day historic visit, thenationonlineng.net reported.

They are guests of King Charles III.

They will also use the opportunity to sign bilateral agreements with the British government at a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The presidential aircraft touched down at Stansted Airport at about 3:23 p.m. local time, marking the commencement of the high-level diplomatic engagement.

The arrival was confirmed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Mr Sunday Dare, via a post on his verified X handle.

“Timeline: 15:23PM. President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu touch down at Stansted Airport, United Kingdom, as a historic visit begins.”

A video clip accompanying the post showed the presidential aircraft taxiing to a stop on the tarmac before the president and the First Lady disembarked.

Today, the red carpet will be rolled out for the President and his wife to be conveyed in a horse carriage to Windsor Castle and to be received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The King and the Queen will host the President and the First Lady at a special exhibition from the Royal Collection featuring items related to Nigeria.

The programme will also include private discussions between the monarch and the Nigerian leader, as well as a joint engagement with organisations involved in interfaith dialogue.

A ceremonial welcome will take place along Datchet Road, featuring the playing of national anthems and the inspection of a guard of honour.

The programme includes a formal reception, a 21-gun salute and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall.

They will then move to London, where the president will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Westminster before meeting Prime Minister Starmer at 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks and a working lunch.

A state banquet will be hosted by the Royal Family in honour of President Tinubu and his delegation at Buckingham Palace.

The visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Key sectors targeted for cooperation include trade and investment, energy transition, solid minerals development, and security collaboration.

The state visit is also aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding economic and diplomatic engagement between both countries.

President Tinubu left the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 10 a.m.

He and the first lady were seen off by top government officials and security chiefs, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, among others.

Hundreds of new jobs are expected to be created in the United Kingdom as Nigerian banks, fintech companies and creative industry firms expand their operations, in a development seen as deepening economic ties between Nigeria and the UK.

The expansion, backed by millions of pounds in fresh investment, is also reinforcing the UK’s position as a major global business centre while showing Nigeria’s growing influence as a source of innovation and capital.

Officials say the development will support growth in both economies and open new opportunities for businesses and workers.

President Tinubu’s visit is expected to further strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.

At the centre of the growing partnership is the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, which has been driving investments into sectors such as financial services, technology, education and manufacturing.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the partnership between both countries is producing real results for their citizens.

He said: “The UK and Nigeria share a belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and education to transform lives, and today’s commitments show exactly that.

“With Nigerian firms creating jobs across the UK and British businesses expanding into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, our partnership is strengthening both economies and delivering real benefits for people in both countries.”

UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said the relationship between both countries is creating new opportunities for businesses and innovators.

“The UK and Nigeria’s strategic partnership is bringing momentum and opportunity to innovators in both our countries. We are reducing barriers, creating jobs and opening new pathways for growth,” he said, adding that the relationship is helping businesses and citizens benefit from closer ties.

As part of the expansion, Zenith Bank Plc has opened a new branch in Manchester, which is expected to create up to 30 direct jobs. The bank is also considering listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2027 to raise long-term funding for its operations linking Africa and the UK.

Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, said the move marks a key step in the bank’s global growth strategy.

“The United Kingdom remains a key global financial centre. The opening of Zenith Bank, Manchester, therefore, marks another important milestone in our international expansion strategy, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers, support trade and investments, and connect businesses between Africa and the UK more effectively,” she said.