The British government has unveiled the official programme for the scheduled historic state visit of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom , from March 17 to 19, 2026.
The visit, which will be hosted at Windsor Castle, will feature a series of ceremonial events, bilateral meetings and engagements with members of the Nigerian diaspora.
Top Society reports that the trip marks Nigeria’s first full state visit to the United Kingdom in 57 years, signalling a renewed commitment by both countries to deepen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation across key sectors.
However, the Federal Government has uncovered an attempt by an embattled mining company, Jupiter Ltd, to launch what it described as a “campaign of calumny” against Nigeria during the planned state visit following a dispute over revoked mineral licences.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development said the alleged move was aimed at discrediting the Federal Government’s reforms in the mining sector and misleading the international community about the circumstances surrounding the revocation of certain mineral licences.
It said the company and its associates were allegedly preparing to circulate what it termed misleading claims about the Nigerian mining sector to discredit the government’s ongoing reforms.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, the ministry insisted that allegations that Nigeria seized a British lithium project under armed guard were false and misleading.
He explained that the controversy stemmed from the revocation of mineral titles belonging to Basin Mining Ltd, a Nigerian company linked to an Australian national, Steve Davis, who allegedly fronts several mining entities operating in the country.
“The bone of contention is the strict application of regulations governing the mining sector, which necessitated the revocation of mineral titles belonging to a Nigerian company, Basin Mining Ltd, fronted by the said Mr Davis, an Australian national.
“The revocation was done after due notice was served on the company in line with extant laws on default in payment of annual service fees,” Tomori stated.
Meanwhile, the British authorities have put out what would be happening in the course of Tinubu’s state visit to the UK. According to the itinerary, preparations for the visit will begin on March 17, with extensive security sweeps, road closures and rehearsals for the ceremonial procession ahead of the president’s arrival.
The Nigerian leader is expected to arrive in the United Kingdom on March 18, where he will be formally received by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. A ceremonial welcome will take place on Datchet Road, featuring the playing of the national anthems of both countries and a guard of honour inspection.
Tinubu will then proceed in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle, where he will be welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The schedule includes a formal reception, a traditional 21-gun salute and a state luncheon to be held at St George’s Hall within Windsor Castle.
Later in the day, the visiting President is expected to hold bilateral meetings with senior British officials, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, security, migration management and port development.
The day’s events will conclude with a cultural exchange programme showcasing Nigerian artefacts and heritage, followed by a state banquet hosted in honour of the visiting president at Windsor Castle.
On March 19, Tinubu will begin the day with a private breakfast meeting with King Charles III and Queen Camilla before departing for London. While in London, the Nigerian leader is scheduled to lay a wreath at The Cenotaph in Westminster in honour of fallen servicemen.
Tinubu will also meet with the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street for bilateral discussions and a working lunch aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between both nations.
Other engagements on the president’s schedule include a meeting with members of the Nigerian diaspora community and the signing of bilateral agreements at Buckingham Palace.
The state visit will conclude with Tinubu’s departure for Nigeria from RAF Northolt.
