LONDON: King Charles III on Wednesday hosted Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at a state banquet in Windsor Castle as part of the Nigerian president’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom.
The British monarch delivered his remarks at St George’s Hall, highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence globally while praising the country’s culture, economy and diaspora.
He concluded his speech with a popular Nigerian Pidgin phrase Naija no dey carry last! drawing smiles and applause from guests.
Below are key highlights from the King’s speech.
Reflecting on previous visits, including his trip in 2018, King Charles said Nigeria has moved beyond transformation to global prominence.
He described the country as a nation of over 230 million people, many of them young and energetic, with the ambition and creativity needed to address global challenges.
The monarch noted that Nigerian culture has significantly shaped British society, citing the popularity of Afrobeats music and Nollywood films in the UK.
He also referenced Nigerians excelling in fields such as football, law and the arts, including those playing in the Premier League.
King Charles praised Nigeria’s model of religious coexistence, noting how Christian and Muslim communities often live and work together.
He said discussions with faith leaders during the visit highlighted how Nigeria demonstrates that different religious groups can live in peace and harmony.
The monarch also acknowledged the painful aspects of the historical relationship between Britain and Nigeria.
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He admitted that the shared past contains difficult chapters but stressed the importance of learning from history to build a stronger future.
In a lighter moment, King Charles joked about hosting young Nigerians at a “Jollof and Tea” gathering at St James’s Palace.
He said guests insisted the meal was the best Jollof rice — though they debated whether it was Nigerian, Ghanaian or Senegalese.
The monarch highlighted the deepening economic relationship between the two countries.
He noted that Nigerian banks operate in London and that companies from both countries continue to expand investment partnerships.
According to him, Nigeria became the UK’s largest export market in Africa in January 2026
Referencing proverbs from Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo cultures, the King emphasised Nigeria’s leadership role in the Commonwealth of Nations.
He expressed support for expanding trade and cooperation among Commonwealth member states.
King Charles described UK-Nigeria relations as a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals in security, economic growth and global development.
He also highlighted the deep spiritual and cultural connections linking both nations.
The monarch commended the more than half-a-million Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage living in Britain.
He said they serve as a living bridge strengthening relations between the two countries through their contributions to business, academia, science, technology, law, sports and public service.
Ending his address with humour, King Charles toasted the Nigerian president and citizens with the phrase “Naija no dey carry last,” celebrating Nigeria’s resilience and influence on the world stage.
