Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliance

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday underscored the importance of Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Kingdom in addressing insecurity, adding that he plans to discuss the country’s counter-terrorism initiatives and regional stability challenges during his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.

The President made the disclosure during a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, marking the first time a Nigerian leader has addressed a gathering at the historic royal residence.

The dinner, which began at 9:00 pm (local time), was part of Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom.

On security cooperation, the President said he would brief Prime Minister Starmer on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and the wider challenges to stability in West Africa.

“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 (today),” Tinubu said.

Reflecting on his personal experience, the President highlighted the support he received from the UK during the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha. He recalled that the Metropolitan Police placed his residence under surveillance to protect him from threats posed by agents of the junta.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu’s comments refer to his years in exile during Abacha’s regime in the 1990s, when he fled Nigeria as a pro-democracy activist and member of the National Democratic Coalition. During this period, the country witnessed severe human rights violations, including the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders in 1995.

At the banquet, attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, the President emphasised the enduring bonds between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He described his appearance at Windsor Castle as particularly historic, noting that he is the first Nigerian leader to speak at the venue.

Tinubu traced the historical and institutional connections between the two nations, highlighting that Nigeria’s courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law, while its parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved in Britain.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries,” he said.

The President also highlighted the significant contributions of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, particularly within the National Health Service. “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 said.

He cited sports personalities of Nigerian heritage who have excelled in the UK, including rugby player Maro Itoje, footballers Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and boxer Anthony Joshua, as illustrations of the “remarkable human connection” between both countries.

Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s role within the Commonwealth of Nations, describing the country as one of the largest nations in the 56-member organisation under King Charles III’s leadership. “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,” he said.

Despite security challenges, the President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the nation as “one 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 proposed a toast “to the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”

The state visit, running from March 18 to 19, is the first by a Nigerian President to the UK in 37 years, with the last occurring in 1989 when former military President Ibrahim Babangida was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.

The visit is expected to culminate in several memoranda of understanding and 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.