FOR THE NOTE: Tinubu’s Speech at the State Banquet, Windsor Castle, England (Full Text)

Text of President Tinubu’s Speech at a State Banquet in His Honor at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, 18 March 2026

His Majesty, King Charles III,

Queen Camilla,

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall, and Catherine, Princess of Wales,

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great honor to stand before you today, representing the Nigerian people as we reaffirm the bonds of friendship, history and common purpose that have united our two countries for several centuries.

Let me first express my sincere appreciation to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

To be the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Empire for almost a millennium, is historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped government, culture and public life not only in England but far abroad.

Nigeria and the UK have shared more than just history; our two countries share the same vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue on that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect and shared values.

Standing here at Windsor Castle, we cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governments around the world.

The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the initial foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

Great English thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped spread these democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate today.

The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, which is spoken by more than 1.5 billion people worldwide.

In Nigeria, elements of this tradition continue to influence the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw on legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect the constitutional practices that have developed here over the centuries. Our civil service structure also utilizes administrative models developed in the UK and adapted to the Nigerian national context.

Although institutions are very important, our society remains the strongest bridge between the two countries.

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The Nigerian community in the UK has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities in the entire world. Nigerians contribute immensely to the vitality of this nation. In the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in providing health services. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest group of international medical professionals serving the NHS.

In sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the extraordinary human connections that link Nigeria and the UK.

Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under His Majesty’s leadership.

As one of the largest countries in the Commonwealth, Nigeria hopes to make a constructive contribution to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

Our West African region faces a complex terrorism challenge rooted in the Sahel. Nigeria bears an enormous responsibility to help maintain regional stability. In the face of these threats, partnership with the UK remains vital and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria faces the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, a nation of young people who dream big, entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and a nation full of hope and determined to realize their full potential.

Your Excellency, I am confident that the friendship between Nigeria and the UK will continue to grow.

Finally, Your Excellency, I would like to convey Nigeria’s deepest gratitude to this great country for the protection and support it provided during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I felt safe here, and I remember that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection after threats from junta agents. That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is truly an honor for me to stand before His Excellency today as President of democratic Nigeria.

On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Her Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen, Princes William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the British people for their long-standing friendship.

In the spirit of friendship and our common destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

For the special bond between Nigeria and the UK, and for the bright future we will build together.

God bless His Majesty the King. God bless Nigeria. God bless England. Thank you very much.