King Charles III welcomed President Tinubu and Mrs. Tinubu to Windsor Castle on 18 March 2026, celebrating Nigeria’s transformation into an economic powerhouse of 230 million people, half under 18 with unmatched energy and ambition.
Recalling his 2018 Nigeria visit meeting traditional leaders like the Sultan of Sokoto and Ooni of Ife, the King praised Nigerians enriching UK life in business, sports, arts, NHS, and academia through his King’s Trust. He humorously recalled a recent “Jollof and Tea” party debate on the best jollof rice.
The monarch highlighted mutual investments: Nigerian banks basing in London, firms listing on LSE, UK Export Finance aiding Nigerian ports, and £178 million in Nigerian tourist spending matched by British visitors. Nigeria became UK’s top African export market in January 2026.
Acknowledging shared history’s “painful marks,” Charles stressed learning together for hope-filled futures, citing interfaith harmony from their Christian-Muslim leaders meeting. He noted UK support via Quick Reaction Forces and aid in Northern Nigeria.
Quoting Yoruba wisdom “rain does not fall on one roof alone” and Hausa “when the music changes, so does the dance”
Charles backed expanded Commonwealth trade via standards, digital alignment, and barrier removal, citing the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.
Toasting Nigeria’s leadership ahead of CHOGM, he ended with “Naija No Dey Carry Last!” and Ramadan/Eid Mubarak wishes, affirming two heads are better than one per Igbo proverb.