As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares for a state visit to the United Kingdom, the trip highlights a long history of diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the British monarchy. From past Nigerian state visits to royal trips to Nigeria, the visit hosted by King Charles III also marks several notable milestones in the relationship between the two countries.

Here are 10 key facts you need to know:

1. Tinubu’s trip on 18–19 March 2026 will be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK since 1989.

2. The Nigerian president will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, making him the first Nigerian head of state to be received there for a state visit.

3. Three previous Nigerian state visits to the UK took place in 1973, 1981 and 1989, all during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

4. Earlier Nigerian leaders on state visits were typically received in London, with ceremonies linked to venues such as Buckingham Palace.

5. King Charles had visited Nigeria four times before becoming monarch, when he held the title Prince of Wales.

6. Those visits took place in 1990, 1999, 2006 and 2018, reflecting ongoing royal engagement with Nigeria

7. Tinubu had previously met King Charles at Buckingham Palace in September 2024, shortly after assuming office.

8. The state visit comes amid a UK–Nigeria strategic partnership announced in 2024, aimed at boosting cooperation on trade, security and development.

9. Diaspora ties also underpin relations between the two countries, with a large Nigerian community living in the UK.

10. State visits to the UK are formal diplomatic visits by overseas Heads of State, invited by the monarch based on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice to strengthen international relations. Lasting two to three days, featuring ceremonial pomp, including official receptions, military guards of honour, carriage processions, and accommodation at royal residences.