Windsor Castle
Your Majesty, King Charles III,
Her Majesty Queen Camilla,
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honour to stand before you this evening, representing the people of Nigeria as we reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history and shared purpose that have united our two nations for centuries.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and Her Majesty for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.
As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, an institution that has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, this moment is deeply historic. Windsor stands as a symbol of continuity, having witnessed the evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture and public life far beyond Britain’s shores.
Shared History and Democratic Traditions
Nigeria and the United Kingdom share more than a common history; we share a vision rooted in progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey with a renewed commitment to partnership, mutual respect and shared values.
Standing here, one is reminded of Britain’s profound contribution to modern democratic governance. The Magna Carta of 1215 laid early foundations for the rule of law and parliamentary democracy, embedding ideals of liberty, accountability and civic responsibility that endure to this day.
British thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Edmund Burke helped shape democratic thought worldwide, while literary giants including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens enriched the English language, now spoken by more than 1.5 billion people globally.
In Nigeria, these traditions continue to inform our institutional foundations. Our legal system draws upon English common law, our parliamentary practices reflect constitutional traditions developed here, and our civil service has adapted administrative models rooted in British experience to our own national context.
The People-to-People Connection
While institutions matter, it is our people who form the strongest bridge between our two countries.
The Nigerian community in the United Kingdom is among the most dynamic diaspora populations in the world. Nigerians contribute significantly to British society, particularly within the National Health Service, where Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role. Nigerian-trained doctors remain among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.
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In sport, figures such as rugby player Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and world champion boxer Anthony Joshua exemplify the human connections that bind Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Commonwealth and Global Cooperation
Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership. As one of the largest members of the Commonwealth, Nigeria remains committed to contributing constructively to the growth and vitality of this global family.
In West Africa, our region continues to face complex security challenges, particularly terrorism emanating from the Sahel. Nigeria carries a significant responsibility in safeguarding regional stability. In confronting these threats, our partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential, and I look forward to further engagement with the British government.
Looking to the Future
Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with confidence and hope. We are a nation of vibrant diversity, of young people with ambition, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a population determined to realise its full potential.
I am confident that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.
A Personal Reflection
Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it provided during the dark years of military dictatorship.
Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety in the United Kingdom. At the time, my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police protection following threats from agents of the military junta. That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand here today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.
Closing Toast
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen, Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.
In the spirit of our shared destiny, I invite you to raise a glass with me:
To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future we shall build together.
God bless His Majesty the King.
God bless Nigeria.
God bless the United Kingdom.
Thank you.
Editorial Note: This is an edited version of President Bola Tinubu’s address at the UK state banquet, published for clarity and readability. The substance and intent of the speech remain unchanged.