The United Kingdom has unveiled the official schedule for the state visit of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, which will take place from March 17 to March 19.
According to the itinerary released by British authorities, the visit will be centred at Windsor Castle and will feature ceremonial events, diplomatic meetings and engagements with members of the Nigerian community in the UK.
Preparatory activities are expected to begin on March 17, including security checks, road closures and rehearsal of ceremonial processions ahead of the president’s arrival.
On March 18, Tinubu will officially arrive and will be welcomed by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Following the arrival, a ceremonial reception will take place on Datchet Road where both national anthems will be played and a guard of honour will be inspected.
The president will afterwards join a royal carriage procession to Windsor Castle where he will be formally received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Activities scheduled for the day include a formal reception, a 21-gun salute and a state luncheon at St George’s Hall.
Later, the Nigerian leader is expected to hold bilateral talks with British officials focusing on issues such as trade, security cooperation, migration and port development.
The day’s programme will end with a cultural exchange event featuring Nigerian artefacts and a state banquet hosted at Windsor Castle.
On March 19, Tinubu will begin the day with a private breakfast meeting with the king and queen before leaving Windsor for London.
While in London, the president is scheduled to lay a wreath at The Cenotaph.
He will also hold discussions with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street, followed by a working lunch.
Other engagements on the schedule 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 for Nigeria from RAF Northolt.
Officials say the trip represents Nigeria’s first full state visit to the United Kingdom in 57 years.
