President Bola Tinubu stated on Wednesday that he is ready to engage with the British government to combat insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking at a reception organised for him and his wife at Windsor Castle by the British Royal Family, President Tinubu noted that Nigeria, the largest democracy in the West African sub-region, faces serious security challenges rooted in the Sahel.

He emphasised that Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to 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,” the President said.

The President assured his hosts that Nigeria is approaching “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 further observed that Nigeria and the United Kingdom share more than just history, noting that the two nations “share a vision of progress and resilience.” Addressing the King, he added, “Your Majesty, I am confident that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow. As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.”

President Tinubu highlighted the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom as one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide. “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation,” he said. “Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He also pointed to the sporting world, citing rugby player Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua as illustrations of the “remarkable human connection” linking the two countries.

The President expressed Nigeria’s deep gratitude for the support extended by the UK during the years of military dictatorship. “Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here,” he recalled. “I remember 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.”

Reflecting on Britain’s impact on global governance, President Tinubu cited the Magna Carta of 1215 as the foundation for the rule of law and parliamentary democracy. He also noted the influence of British thinkers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide,” he said. “In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform our republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English Common Law, and our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries.”

In his remarks, King Charles III described the friendship between the two countries as a “partnership of equals” that has brought “enormous benefits” to both.

“It has been described to me as a deeply spiritual connection—beyond churches and mosques—a deep bond through which we have strengthened our shared security, ensured our economies are more prosperous, and empowered each other to believe in a more hopeful future,” the King said.

His Majesty noted that the UK is blessed to have many Nigerians who have chosen Britain as their home, excelling in business, technology, academia, law, science, sport, and the arts.

The King highlighted the growing economic synergy, noting that Nigerian visitors spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, while British travellers to Nigeria spent a reciprocal amount. “In January of this year, Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa,” he noted.

He also celebrated the cultural impact of Nigeria on British life, from “Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens” to Nigerian stars in the Premier League.

Closing the reception, King Charles noted that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s. He cited Nigerian banks using the City of London as a global base and UK Export Finance supporting Nigerian ports. In education, he noted that British schools and universities are expanding in Nigeria, while technology companies from both nations continue to form closer partnerships.