The government of the United Kingdom has announced the official schedule for the upcoming state visit of Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, set to take place from March 17 to 19.
According to the programme, the visit will be centred at Windsor Castle and will feature ceremonial activities, bilateral meetings, and interactions with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK.
Preparatory activities will begin on March 17. These include security sweeps, road closures, and rehearsals for the presidential procession ahead of Tinubu’s arrival.
The president is expected to arrive on March 18, where he will be welcomed by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. A formal reception ceremony will then take place along Datchet Road, featuring the playing of both national anthems and an inspection of the guard of honour.
Following the welcome ceremony, Tinubu will join a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be formally received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The day’s events will also include a formal reception, a 21-gun salute, and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall.
Later in the day, Tinubu is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with British officials, with discussions expected to focus on trade, security cooperation, migration issues, and port development.
Activities will conclude with a cultural exchange programme highlighting Nigerian artefacts, followed by a state banquet hosted at Windsor Castle.
On March 19, the Nigerian leader will have a private breakfast with the king and queen before leaving Windsor for London. In the capital, Tinubu will lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster.
He is also scheduled to meet with the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street for bilateral talks and a working lunch.
Other engagements in London include a meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora and the signing of bilateral agreements at Buckingham Palace.
The visit will end with Tinubu departing the UK from RAF Northolt for Nigeria.
Officials say the trip represents Nigeria’s first full state visit to Britain in 57 years.
