President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday stated that the country’s collaboration with the United Kingdom in addressing insecurity remained crucial, adding that he planned to discuss Nigeria’s counter-terrorism initiatives and challenges to regional stability during his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday (today).
The President made the disclosure on Wednesday night at 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 British royal residence.
Wednesday’s dinner which began at 09:00pm (local time) was part of activities lined up for Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to the United Kingdom.
On security cooperation, the President disclosed that he would discuss Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and regional stability challenges during his meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday.
“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.
The President added that the United Kingdom provided him refuge during the military dictatorship of former head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha.
He said the Metropolitan Police placed his residence under surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the military junta.
In an expression of gratitude, Tinubu described the UK’s support during what he called “the dark years of military dictatorship” as deeply humbling, noting that the solidarity remains etched in Nigeria’s collective memory.
He said, “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.”
The President’s comments refer to his years in exile during the military regime of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s, when he fled Nigeria as a pro-democracy activist and member of the National Democratic Coalition, which campaigned against military rule.
Tinubu was among several Nigerian pro-democracy activists who sought refuge in Western countries during the period, which was marked by severe human rights violations, including the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders in 1995.
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, which runs from March 18 to 19, is the first by a Nigerian President to the UK in 37 years, with the last being in 1989 when former military President Ibrahim Babangida was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
The visit is expected to result in several memoranda of understanding and agreements covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation, including a £746m financing deal for the refurbishment of Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.
