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President Bola Tinubu has called for a “crucial” new security partnership between Nigeria and the UK, speaking during the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to London in 37 years.

Addressing a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening, Mr. Tinubu highlighted the shared history between the two nations, ranging from legal traditions to the “indispensable” role of Nigerian medics in the British National Health Service (NHS).

The visit, the first of its kind since 1989, marks a significant diplomatic reset and is expected to result in major agreements on trade, defense, and a £746m ($950m) investment in Nigerian port infrastructure.

From exile to Windsor

In a deeply personal moment, President Tinubu—the first Nigerian leader to formally address a gathering at the 1,000-year-old royal residence—thanked the UK for providing him refuge during Nigeria’s “dark years” of military rule.

During the 1990s, Mr. Tinubu was a pro-democracy activist fleeing the regime of General Sani Abacha. He recalled how the Metropolitan Police had to place his London residence under surveillance to protect him from junta agents.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory,” the President told the King and Queen. “It is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.”

Security and the Sahel

The focus of the visit now shifts to high-level security talks. Mr Tinubu is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday to discuss counter-terrorism initiatives in West Africa.

The President warned that the Sahel region faces “complex terrorism challenges” that threaten broader regional stability.

• Nigeria’s Role: Mr. Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria carries an “enormous responsibility” as a regional anchor.
• The Partnership: He described collaboration with the UK as “essential” to confronting these threats.

‘Remarkable human connections’

Beyond the corridors of power, the President celebrated the cultural and professional influence of the Nigerian diaspora in Britain.

He noted that Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international professionals serving the NHS. He also gave a nod to the “vibrant” presence of Nigerian heritage in British culture, name-checking sports stars such as:

• Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze (Football)
• Anthony Joshua (Boxing)
• Maro Itoje (Rugby)

“Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community,” he stated, referring to Nigeria’s position as one of the largest members of the 56-nation Commonwealth.

A major economic boost

The two-day visit is not merely symbolic. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, the most significant being a £746m financing deal to refurbish the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

Analysts say the deal is a cornerstone of Mr. Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s trade gateways to boost non-oil exports.