President Bola Tinubu has called on the United Kingdom to maintain and strengthen support for Nigeria in addressing terrorism, emphasising that bilateral cooperation remained pivotal to the security and stability of West Africa.
Speaking at a state banquet at Windsor Castle, on Wednesday, Tinubu highlighted the decades-long historical ties between Nigeria and Britain, describing the two nations’ shared history, culture, and institutions as a strong foundation for collaboration on security, economic, and social issues.
Addressing an audience that included King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, the president described the occasion as historic, noting that he was the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle, a symbol of Britain’s continuity and governance traditions.
On regional security, Tinubu pointed to terrorism challenges in the Sahel and West Africa, noting that Nigeria carried a significant responsibility in safeguarding regional stability.
He said partnership with the United Kingdom remained essential for intelligence sharing, training, and coordinated counterterrorism measures.
The president also disclosed that his visit to the UK included a scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer later today, where discussions would focus on security cooperation, economic collaboration, and strengthening trade and investment ties.
“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability.
“In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer tomorrow (today)” he stated.
Tinubu traced Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks to British influence, highlighting the adoption of English common law in the judiciary, parliamentary traditions in legislative structures, and administrative models in the civil service.
He said these foundations had helped Nigeria build a stable and resilient democratic system while adapting British models to the Nigerian context.
The president also celebrated the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom, noting their contributions to the National Health Service, business, education, and sports.
He cited Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses as critical to the success of UK’s healthcare system and highlighted prominent Nigerian-descended athletes including footballers, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, rugby star Maro Itoje, and boxing champion Anthony Joshua, as living symbols of the enduring connection between the two nations.
Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s potential as a nation of young, dynamic people and innovative entrepreneurs, even as he expressed confidence in the country’s ability to harness its human and natural resources for economic growth and social development.
The Nigerian leader noted that collaboration with the UK through the Commonwealth of Nations provided an additional platform for strengthening trade, investment, education, and governance links across 56 member states.
Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s history, recalling the support extended by the United Kingdom during the country’s pro-democracy struggle in the 1990s.
He personally acknowledged that his life and those of other pro-democracy advocates were protected while in exile in the UK, with the Metropolitan Police providing surveillance to safeguard him against threats from the military junta.
“Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship.
“Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.
“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
Discussing historical ties, Tinubu also highlighted shared values, including respect for democracy, rule of law, and civic responsibility, noting that British thinkers such as John Locke, Edmund Burke, and Thomas Hobbes, had influenced democratic principles that underpinned governance in both countries.
At the same time, he cited British literary figures, including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, whose work has shaped the English language globally, which remains Nigeria’s official language and a bridge for trade and cultural exchange.
Besides, economic cooperation featured prominently in Tinubu’s remarks, noting that Nigeria and the UK were working together to expand trade, attract investment, and support innovation in multiple sectors.
He highlighted Nigerian entrepreneurs and businesses as vital drivers of growth, particularly in agriculture, technology, and creative industries, while stressing UK’s role as a longstanding partner in these efforts.
He expressed the hope that despite its many problems, Nigeria was on the verge of renaissance.
“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential,” he stressed.
Tinubu, therefore, expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for its historical support and for nurturing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
He invited attendees to raise a toast to the continued partnership, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to working with the UK in building security, prosperity, and mutual understanding.
Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh
