The Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed for stronger ties with the United Kingdom (UK) to confront the complex terrorism challenges facing the West African region, particularly Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu made this appeal while speaking at the State Banquet in His Honour at Windsor Castle on Wednesday in UK.
The President is in UK for a two-day historic State Visit on the invitation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and to explore investment opportunities for businessmen from both nations.
At the State Banquet, Tinubu noted that Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability, consequently, he said stronger partnership with the UK was essential.
“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 Kier Starmer tomorrow,” he said.
The state visit is the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years. President Tinubu is also the first Nigerian leader to be hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle.
He told the gathering that despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. Adding: “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 expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the UK would continue to grow. Noting that “Nigeria and the UK have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.”
President Tinubu said that Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.
Reflecting on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide, he said: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility. Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals.
“Their influence continues to resonate to this day. The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.
“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries.
“Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context. While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries,” he added.
The President expressed Nigeria’s deep gratitude to the UK 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.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship,” he said.
