The government of the United Kingdom has released the official programme for the upcoming state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, scheduled to take place from March 17 to 19.
According to the itinerary, the visit will be hosted at Windsor Castle and will feature a series of ceremonial events, bilateral meetings and engagements with members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Preparations for the visit are expected to begin on March 17, with security checks, road closures and rehearsals for the ceremonial procession ahead of the president’s arrival.
Tinubu is set to arrive on March 18, where he will be formally welcomed by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. A ceremonial reception will then take place on Datchet Road, including the playing of national anthems and an inspection of the guard of honour.
Following the ceremony, the Nigerian leader will take part in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The programme also includes a formal reception, a traditional 21-gun salute and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall.
Later in the day, Tinubu is expected to hold bilateral talks with British officials, focusing on issues such as trade, security cooperation, migration and port development.
The day’s events will conclude with a cultural exchange showcasing Nigerian artefacts, followed by a state banquet hosted at Windsor Castle.
On March 19, Tinubu will attend a private breakfast with the king and queen before travelling to London.
While in London, the Nigerian president is expected to lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster. He will also hold talks with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where the two leaders are scheduled to have bilateral discussions and a working lunch.
Other engagements include a meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora and the signing of bilateral agreements at Buckingham Palace.
The visit will conclude with Tinubu’s departure from RAF Northolt for Nigeria.
The trip is expected to mark Nigeria’s first full state visit to the United Kingdom in 57 years.
