Tinubu, Starmer set to deepen Nigeria-UK security partnership

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday night reaffirmed the importance of Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Kingdom in tackling insecurity.

It was gathered that he is set to discuss the country’s counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability challenges with Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister today.

He made this known at a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle making him the first Nigerian leader to address the historic venue.

Tinubu said, “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.”

Reflecting on his years in exile during the military dictatorship of Gen. Sani Abacha, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the UK, noting: “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.

“Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries.”

He further cited sports figures of Nigerian heritage, including rugby star Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, as illustrations of the “remarkable human connection” between both countries.

The President described Nigeria as “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,” and proposed a toast “to the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”

The two-day state visit, which runs from March 18 to 19, is the first by a Nigerian President to the UK in 37 years and is expected to yield agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation, including a £746 million financing deal for the refurbishment of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.