Nigeria seeks partnership with British to curb security challenges-Tinubu

Says despite challenges, Nigerian trained doctors, nurses indispensable in UK’s NHS

Visitors from Nigeria spent £178m in 2024, says King Charles

By Mathew Brangyet

Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, told the King of England, His Majesty, King Charles II, that Nigeria and the entire West African region face complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel, hence the need for a partnership to curtail the security challenges.

While speaking at the State Banquet, Windsor Castle, England, President Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability in Africa.

He emphasised in confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

Despite these challenges,  he said Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence.

“We are a nation 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.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.

” Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide.  Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation.

“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.

“In sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’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”, the Nigerian leader said.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide. 

“The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.”

In his speech, the British monarch, King Charles, said, “as the connections between our nations deepen every day, so too do the economic ties.

“Your visit has provided the opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s – leading Nigerian banks have chosen the City of London as a global base, examples of the best Nigerian companies have listed on London’s Stock Exchange, and U.K. Export Finance is supporting investment in Nigeria’s ports.

“In education, British schools and universities are opening their doors in Nigeria, and British and Nigerian technology companies are forming ever closer partnerships.

“I was pleased to see that visitors from Nigeria spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, and 251,000 people from Britain travelled to Nigeria and spent just as much, in return. In January of this year, Nigeria became the United Kingdom’s biggest export market in Africa and whilst I hear that in Nigeria the phrase ‘Made in U.K.’ has always symbolised the highest quality, it evidently now has a distinctively Nigerian flavour…

“The friendship between our two countries, Mr President, is a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits. It has been described to me as a deeply spiritual connection – beyond churches and mosques – a deep bond through which we have strengthened our shared security, ensured our economies are more prosperous, and empowered each other to believe in a more hopeful future.”