Tinubu Urges King Charles: Britain Should Back Nigeria's Efforts to Combat Terror in the Sahel Region

Britain's Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, and Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu attended a State Banquet in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor on March 18, 2026, marking the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria's President.

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President Bola Tinubu solicited a partnership with the United Kingdom to combat terrorism in the Sahel before it spreads to the rest of the region, stating, "Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel," during a speech at the state banquet.

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Tinubu, speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, addressed King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and other esteemed guests, emphasizing that Nigeria looks forward to contributing to the growth and vitality of the global community as one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth.

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Nigeria, according to Tinubu, carries a significant responsibility to help maintain regional stability, and a partnership with the United Kingdom is essential in confronting these threats, with a meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer scheduled for the following day.

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Despite the challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence, being a nation of diverse and vibrant people, with young individuals dreaming big, entrepreneurs having a global outlook, and a hopeful population determined to realize their full potential.

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President Tinubu expressed his honor at standing before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

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Tinubu began by expressing his sincere appreciation to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the warmth and generosity extended to him, his wife Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation, acknowledging the historic significance of being the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle.

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Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, stands as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life in Britain and beyond, according to President Tinubu.

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Nigeria and the United Kingdom share more than just history, as they also share a vision of progress and resilience, with both nations committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

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President Tinubu reflected on Britain's impact on modern democratic governance worldwide, noting that the Magna Carta of 1215 laid the foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

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Great British thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped propagate democratic ideals, with their influence continuing to resonate today, while literary geniuses like William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens have enriched and shaped the English language spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

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In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of the republic, with courts drawing upon legal traditions rooted in English common law, parliamentary institutions reflecting constitutional practices that evolved in Britain, and civil service structures based on administrative models developed in the UK and adapted to Nigeria's context.

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President Tinubu emphasized that while institutions matter, the people remain the strongest bridge between the two countries, with the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom becoming one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide.

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Nigerians contribute significantly to the vitality of the United Kingdom, with Nigerian doctors and nurses playing an indispensable role in delivering healthcare within the National Health Service, and Nigerian-trained doctors being among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.

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In sports, individuals like Maro Itoje, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Joshua illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom, further strengthening their partnership through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under King Charles III's leadership.

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President Tinubu expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow, and he wished to express Nigeria's deep gratitude to the UK for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship.

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President Tinubu personally experienced the UK's solidarity, having found safety there during the pro-democracy struggle, with his residence placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta, and he found it humbling to stand before King Charles III as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

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On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, President Tinubu thanked King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

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President Tinubu invited everyone to raise a glass with him, toast to the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that they shall build together, saying, "To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together."