Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, has praised the growing influence and contributions of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, declaring that people of Nigerian heritage are now “at the heart of British life.”
The King made this remark on Wednesday night, 18th March,2026 during a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle held in honour of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Delivering a warm and culturally rich speech, the British monarch opened with greetings in Yoruba—“Ekabo. Se daadaa ni?”—and extended Ramadan goodwill to the Nigerian delegation, acknowledging the significance of the holy month.
Reflecting on his 2018 visit to Nigeria, King Charles described the country as a rapidly evolving nation filled with youthful energy and innovation. He emphasized that Nigeria, now home to over 230 million people, has emerged as a major force on the global stage.
“We in the United Kingdom are blessed,” the King said, “that so many people of Nigerian heritage are now at the heart of British life,” citing their excellence across sectors including business, science, law, education, sports, and the arts.
He highlighted the cultural impact of Nigeria on Britain, pointing to the global rise of Afrobeats, the popularity of Nollywood films, and the presence of Nigerian stars in top-tier English football. The King humorously referenced a recent “Jollof and Tea” gathering at St. James’s Palace, joking about the long-standing West African debate over the best jollof rice.
Beyond cultural ties, the monarch underscored deepening economic relations between both countries. He added that Nigeria has become the United Kingdom’s largest export market in Africa, with significant bilateral investments in finance, education, and technology. According to him, Nigerian visitors spent £178 million in Britain in 2024, while British travelers matched that figure during visits to Nigeria.
Describing the UK-Nigeria relationship as a “partnership of equals,” King Charles acknowledged both the strengths and the painful complexities of their shared history. He stressed the importance of learning from the past while building a future rooted in mutual respect, opportunity, and shared prosperity.
King Charles III also commended Nigeria’s example of religious coexistence, following a joint meeting with Christian and Muslim leaders earlier in the day. He reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in areas such as security, humanitarian aid, and community stability.
On global cooperation, King Charles echoed President Tinubu’s vision for a stronger Commonwealth, noting its vast population and economic potential. He urged member nations to deepen trade ties, remove investment barriers, and embrace collective growth.
Drawing from African proverbs and wisdom, the monarch called for unity in addressing global challenges, emphasizing that “when the music changes, so does the dance.”
As the evening drew to a close, the King extended advance Eid greetings to Muslims in both countries and proposed a toast that drew applause from the distinguished guests: “To the President and people of Nigeria — Naija no dey carry last!”
The banquet marked another milestone in strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic bonds between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, reinforcing a relationship that continues to evolve in a rapidly changing world.
