King Charles III has lauded Nigeria as an economic powerhouse, cultural force, and key diplomatic player during a state banquet at Windsor Castle in honour of President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
The British monarch described Nigeria as an indispensable partner within the Commonwealth, highlighting the country’s youthful population of over 230 million as a driver of innovation and global solutions. He praised Nigerians in the diaspora as a “living bridge” enriching British society in sectors including business, healthcare, sports, academia, and the arts.
In a lighthearted moment, King Charles sparked laughter while recounting a recent “Jollof and Tea” party at St. James’s Palace, joking diplomatically about the eternal debate over which country makes the best Jollof rice. He closed the toast with the Pidgin phrase, “Naija no dey carry last,” blending humour, diplomacy, and cultural pride.
The monarch also reflected on his 2018 visit to Nigeria, recalling meetings with respected traditional leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, the Obi of Onitsha, the Olu of Warri, and the Emir of Kano. He emphasized Nigeria’s ongoing transformation and its growing role in intra-Commonwealth trade, urging harmonized standards and the removal of investment barriers to unlock mutual economic opportunities.
King Charles highlighted deepening UK-Nigeria economic ties, noting that Nigerian businesses are increasingly investing in the UK, with major banks and companies listing on the London Stock Exchange. He also cited that in 2024, Nigerian visitors spent £178 million in the UK, while 251,000 Britons spent a similar amount in Nigeria.
Beyond trade, the King underscored Nigeria’s influence in culture, pointing to Afrobeats and Nollywood as evidence of how Nigerian creativity has become part of British life. He praised the country’s example of religious coexistence, referencing meetings with Christian and Muslim leaders in the UK.
Acknowledging the nations’ shared history, he stressed that learning from the past is key to building a future of hope, cooperation, and shared prosperity. The monarch also expressed support for Nigerian security and humanitarian initiatives, including the Quick Reaction Forces and interventions addressing food security and community protection in the north.
Concluding his speech, King Charles extended goodwill to Muslims observing Ramadan, wished Nigerians a joyous Eid-el-Fitr, and raised a toast celebrating the country’s achievements, culture, and people.
