By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer are gearing up for high-level bilateral talks.
This was contained in the official programme for the upcoming state visit of Tinubu released by the UK government.
This landmark event, the first full state visit by a Nigerian president to the UK in 37 years, underscores deepening ties between the two nations amid shared economic, diplomatic, and cultural interests.
The UK government unveiled the official programme for the visit, spanning March 17 to 19, 2026.
Preparations commence on March 17 with Tinubu’s arrival in London, including security arrangements, road closures, and procession rehearsals.
Formal activities kick off on March 18, when Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
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, 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 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 Tinubu’s departure for Nigeria from RAF Northolt.
