The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Akpabio endorses ARISE with renewed hope initiative ahead of 2027 elections

    Akpabio endorses ARISE with renewed hope initiative ahead of 2027 elections

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has formally endorsed the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as his political structure and machinery for the 2027 general elections in Akwa Ibom State.

    Akpabio made the announcement in Abuja over the weekend during a visit by the leadership of the Initiative, according to a statement by his media aide, Jackson Udom.

    He described the engagement as historic, noting that it marked a defining moment for political unity in the state.

    According to the Senate President, the emergence of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative signals stability, preparedness, and electoral victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom.

    “With this group, Akwa Ibom State is secure and ready for the elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, and I will work with this group to achieve its objectives,” Akpabio said.

    He expressed confidence that the state would record unprecedented outcomes for the APC, adding, “Akwa Ibom State will be the first in Nigeria to return President Bola Tinubu with massive votes.

    The state will re-elect Governor Umo Eno, and I will also be overwhelmingly returned. What Governor Umo Eno has done in uniting us is divinely ordained and guarantees a brighter future for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.”

    Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, described the Initiative as the foremost political structure in the state, reflecting the unity and collective strength of Akwa Ibom people under the APC.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    He noted that the group represents the consolidation of key political forces in the state, with Akpabio reaffirmed as its leader with a strong, enduring base.

    He added that the Initiative comprises major political figures across the state, all united by a shared purpose to support the APC’s agenda.

    Earlier, the President-General of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, said the visit aimed to formally present the Initiative to the Senate President, following its earlier presentation to Governor Eno.

    He emphasised that the group’s mission remains clear and unwavering in supporting political cohesion and the APC’s objectives in Akwa Ibom State.

    “Our mission is victory for the APC in 2027. Akwa Ibom State is firmly and overwhelmingly APC, marching towards successful re-election victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.

    He praised President Tinubu for the ongoing reforms across the country and pledged that Akwa Ibom State would deliver bloc votes—the highest in Nigeria—during the elections. He also reaffirmed total support for Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and his second-term ambition.

    In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Group, Sir Victor Antai, said history was being made with the gathering of political leaders to chart a united course for the re-election of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.

    He described the Group as a coalition of leaders with deep grassroots capacity, positioned to drive massive mobilisation for the APC across all levels.

    The high point of the visit was the presentation of the official regalia of the Group to Akpabio by the President General, Engr. Okoko, and the Chairman, BoT, Dr Antai, who formally accepted his role as the Grand Patron of the Group.

  • Renewed Hope Agenda takes off in U.S

    Renewed Hope Agenda takes off in U.S

    • …targets stronger diaspora engagement, global partnerships

    The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu was officially unveiled in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora and expand global partnerships in support of national development.

    The event, held on Saturday, brought together Nigerians living abroad, professionals, business leaders, civic advocates, and community representatives, who converged to discuss the role of the diaspora in Nigeria’s economic reform programme and long-term development goals.

    The Atlanta unveiling marked the first major international platform for the Renewed Hope Agenda (USA), with organisers indicating that similar engagements are planned in other locations with significant Nigerian diaspora populations.

    Speaking at the unveiling, the convener of the programme, Austine Dafe, said the Renewed Hope Agenda (USA) was established to deepen collaboration between Nigeria and its diaspora population, while providing a platform to engage stakeholders on the policy direction of the Tinubu administration.

    According to Dafe, the initiative is aimed at creating structured opportunities for foreign direct investment, skills and knowledge transfer, policy engagement, and cultural exchange, to align diaspora contributions with national priorities.

    He said the agenda reflects the administration’s focus on economic revitalisation, institutional reform, and inclusive growth, noting that Nigerians abroad remain critical stakeholders in the country’s development process.

    “President Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, has shown the administration’s commitment to building a Nigeria that works for every citizen, a nation that inspires confidence, fosters enterprise, and embraces opportunity across all sectors of society,” Safe asserted.

    He said the motivation behind the formation of the Renewed Hope Agenda (USA) was to ensure that Nigerians in the United States, and the diaspora more broadly, have an accurate understanding of the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda, rather than relying on what he described as negative narratives promoted by opposition groups.

    “The Renewed Hope Agenda (USA) is designed to engage Nigerians in the diaspora in a more coordinated manner, showcase ongoing reforms and encourage practical collaboration that can support economic growth and national renewal,” Dafe said.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    Participants at the forum discussed the role of diaspora remittances, entrepreneurship, technology, and advocacy in supporting Nigeria’s economy, stressing that closer cooperation between citizens at home and abroad is necessary to address development challenges.

    Keynote speakers at the event highlighted the scale of contributions made by Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly through remittances, business investments, and professional expertise, and called for improved mechanisms to integrate these efforts into national development planning.

    They noted that diaspora engagement remains an important component of economic growth, particularly at a time when Nigeria is implementing wide-ranging reforms in fiscal management, investment policy, and infrastructure development.

    Speakers also referenced recent policy measures introduced under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including reforms aimed at stabilising public finances, improving the investment climate, and expanding private sector participation across key sectors of the economy.

    According to the speakers, infrastructure projects in transportation, energy, and digital connectivity are expected to improve productivity and support long-term growth, while reforms in education and healthcare are intended to strengthen human capital development.

    The forum also discussed national security and youth development, with participants stressing the need for sustained investment in skills acquisition, education, and employment opportunities to position Nigeria’s growing population for global competitiveness.

    During the event, participants acknowledged the role of sub-national governments in implementing Federal policies and reforms, noting that alignment between federal and state administrations is essential for the effective delivery of development programmes.

    The gathering emphasised the need for sustained dialogue, civic participation, and institutionalised cooperation between Nigeria and its diaspora community, with speakers emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda depends on collective action rather than government efforts alone.

    Dafe also announced plans to inaugurate ambassadors of the Renewed Hope Agenda (USA) at a later date, saying the initiative would continue to engage Nigerians abroad through structured programmes and regular consultations.

  • Why musical artistes must take responsibility for poor sound at concerts — Peter David

    Why musical artistes must take responsibility for poor sound at concerts — Peter David

    Poor sound quality at live concerts is often blamed on sound engineers or equipment providers, but music production expert Peter Sunday David said the ultimate responsibility lies with artistes and their management teams.

    According to David Peter Sunday, who has handled over 2,000 professional live events across concerts and orchestral productions and has also served as a band leader for Nigerian superstar Tekno from 2016 to date, audiences interact solely with performers and are largely unaware of the technical chain behind a show. As a result, accountability naturally falls on the artiste’s camp.

    “The audience does not know the sound supplier or the engineer. They only know the artiste,” David said. “It is therefore the responsibility of the artiste and their management to engage competent professionals and supervise the entire technical process before, during, and after performances.”

    He noted that many sound-related failures at live events are rooted in poor preparation rather than technical limitations.

    According to him, event organisers and artistes often prioritise cost over competence, opting for cheaper technical teams without proper vetting or planning.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    “Poor preparation remains the biggest issue,” he said. “Many organisers fail to assemble the right technical team or carry out proper planning, projections, and post-event reviews. Settling for the cheapest option instead of the best frequently compromises quality.”

    David also challenged the growing belief that acquiring expensive equipment automatically guarantees superior sound. He explained that sound system design plays a far more critical role in determining output quality.

    “Equipment alone does not guarantee quality,” he said. “Sound system design requires technical understanding, planning, and creativity. Without proper system integration and acoustic planning, even the most expensive equipment will underperform.”

    He added that many production companies invest heavily in branded gear without sufficient knowledge of how to deploy it effectively, resulting in distorted sound, poor balance, and unsatisfactory audience experiences.

  • CAC delisted over 400,000 inactive companies in 2025 — Registrar General

    CAC delisted over 400,000 inactive companies in 2025 — Registrar General

    The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) says it delisted more than 400,000 companies in 2025 for failing to file annual returns and remaining inactive, describing the development as a necessary step to protect the economy.

    Registrar General of the commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, disclosed this in Abuja during a commemorative walk marking the CAC’s 35th anniversary.

    Magaji said the exercise was a major milestone for the commission, which was established in 1991, noting that the anniversary offered an opportunity to reflect on its progress and challenges over the years.

    He said the delisting of inactive entities was part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the corporate registry and improving the business environment.

    According to him, the commission has evolved from manual processes to fully digital operations, enabling it to provide services around the clock.

    “The idea is to position CAC as a world-class organisation. Expectations are high, and the commission has come a long way and is striving to go higher,” he said.

    He noted that the anniversary walk symbolised the agency’s growth and the commitment of its staff, adding that teamwork and resilience had driven the commission’s achievements over the years.

    Magaji said the CAC had made significant strides in promoting ease of doing business, especially through the digitisation of its services, which allows business registration to be completed from any location.

    He added that the commission is now fully digitalised, providing end-to-end services on a 24-hour basis.

    In collaboration with other agencies, the Registrar General said the CAC’s partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) had produced positive results.

    He said the joint initiative had enabled the registration of 250 micro, small, and medium enterprises at no cost, as part of efforts to support business growth.

    Magaji also said the commission remained committed to staff welfare, noting that several measures had been introduced to improve working conditions and support employees.

  • NLC warns of mass action over failure to add electronic transmission of election results

    NLC warns of mass action over failure to add electronic transmission of election results

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of possible mass action and election boycotts over “confusion and contradictory positions” by the Senate on amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly regarding the electronic transmission of election results.

    It accused the Senate of undermining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process by failing to clearly state whether electronic transmission of results would be mandatory.

    NLC’s position is contained in a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to the NLC, the lack of clarity surrounding the Senate’s final decision threatens electoral integrity and public trust, stressing that Nigerians deserve a transparent system where votes are not only counted but seen to be counted.

    The NLC added that the path to the 2027 elections must be built on certainty, not confusion.

    The statement said, “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses deep concern over the confusion and contradictory narratives emerging from the Senate regarding the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly on electronic transmission of results. This lack of clarity undermines public trust and is deeply troubling for our democracy. The Nigerian people deserve a transparent electoral process where their votes are not only counted but seen to be counted. We urge the Senate to provide an immediate, official, and unambiguous account of its proceedings and final decisions.

    “Public records suggest the proposed amendment to mandate INEC to transmit results electronically in real-time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained. This has generated nationwide apprehension, and subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion. At a critical juncture following the 2023 elections, such legislative ambiguity risks institutionalising doubt at the heart of our electoral integrity and echoes past controversies that have caused national distress.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    “Therefore, the NLC demands immediate clarity and transparency. The Senate must issue a definitive statement on the exact provisions passed, clarifying the final wording and rationale. The National Assembly leadership must also ensure the harmonisation process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions; any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results is a disservice to our democracy.

    “We call on the Senate to restore legislative credibility by ensuring its processes are transparent and its outcomes clear. The amended Act must provide an unambiguous mandate for INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real-time. The path to the 2027 elections must be built on certainty, not confusion.”

    The NLC insisted that the amended Electoral Act must provide a clear mandate compelling INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real time, warning that failure to do so could trigger mass action.

    “Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely. The NLC is working within its networks to advocate for clarity and integrity. We will not stand by while the trust of Nigerians is betrayed again and the clarity of our electoral laws is compromised.

    “Failure to add electronic transmission in real-time will lead to mass action before, during, and after the election or total boycott of the Election. Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity.

    “We need to avoid the same confusion that trailed the new Tax Acts. The time for honest, people-focused legislation is now,” the statement added.

  • Nigeria among 11 African nations in £15m ITU digital infrastructure programme

    Nigeria among 11 African nations in £15m ITU digital infrastructure programme

    Nigeria is among 11 sub-Saharan African countries benefiting from a £15 million investment in ICT, digital infrastructure, and broadband projects, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has disclosed.

    The ITU delegation also said Nigeria is one of 136 countries currently participating in a global cybersecurity drill organised by the union in partnership with the United Arab Emirates.

    The delegation made this known during a meeting with the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Malam Kashifu Inuwa, in Abuja, where it commended Nigeria’s efforts toward digitalisation and inclusivity.

    The team was led by the Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, alongside the ITU Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Emmanuel Manasseh.

    Zavazava said the investments in digital infrastructure and broadband across sub-Saharan Africa would focus on digital skills development, infrastructure mapping and modelling to accelerate growth in the region’s digital economy.

    He outlined the ITU-BDT’s mandate to bridge the digital divide, promote inclusive ICT development, strengthen regulatory frameworks and support member states in building resilient digital infrastructure.

    According to him, these priorities align with Nigeria’s digital transformation goals. He added that the ITU operates across its 194 member states through regional and area offices, including its West Africa office in Dakar, Senegal, and the Africa regional office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

    Zavazava said ongoing collaboration with Nigeria in areas such as digital skills development, broadband infrastructure mapping and cybersecurity would help strengthen the country’s digital economy.

    The delegation was received on behalf of the NITDA Director General by the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Warowei Dimie, alongside other agency directors.

    Read Also: Woro killings expose Nigeria’s rural security collapse — Gbenga Hashim

    The visit provided an opportunity for strategic engagement on key digital development challenges facing Nigeria, Africa, and other developing regions, with a focus on inclusive and sustainable ICT growth.

    Speaking for the NITDA Director General, Dimie reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the ITU, describing the organisation’s global experience as valuable for transferring tested solutions and best practices to Nigeria.

    He said digital skills and capacity building featured prominently in discussions, as Nigeria pursues its target of achieving 70 per cent digital literacy nationwide by next year.

    Dimie also highlighted the adoption of the National Digital Literacy Framework as a major milestone, noting that it provides a structured and inclusive approach to skills development across different segments of society.

    He drew attention to the challenge of limited connectivity in rural and underserved communities, with stakeholders emphasising targeted interventions, including grassroots digital training and the deployment of National Youth Service Corps members as digital literacy ambassadors in affected areas.

  • Enugu records N406.77bn IGR in 2025, cites reform gains

    Enugu records N406.77bn IGR in 2025, cites reform gains

    Enugu State generated a total of N406.77 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2025, a development attributed to the economic and governance reforms introduced by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.

    The figure was disclosed on Sunday by the Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ENSIRS), Mr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, during a press conference.

    He said the amount represents about 80 percent of the N509.9 billion revenue projection in the 2025 Appropriation Law and reflects a 125 per cent increase from the N180.5 billion generated in 2024.

    Nnamani said the performance highlights the administration’s efforts to build a financially independent and economically sustainable state capable of funding key development projects without heavy reliance on federal allocations.

    He noted that upon assumption of office in May 2023, Governor Mbah pledged to transform the state’s IGR profile to support his development agenda.

    According to him, the state’s revenue trajectory has shown consistent growth in recent years. He said Enugu generated N26.8 billion in 2022, comprising N16.2 billion in tax revenue and N10.6 billion in non-tax revenue.

    He added that after restructuring the revenue system, the state’s IGR rose to N37.4 billion in 2023, made up of N22.9 billion in tax revenue and N14.5 billion in non-tax revenue, marking the first phase of the reform-driven expansion.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    The revenue performance accelerated in 2024, when the state generated N180.5 billion. The figure was largely driven by N150 billion from non-tax sources and N30 billion from tax revenue, indicating a shift toward asset optimisation and improved resource recovery.

    “Consequently, it is my pleasure to inform you that the Governor Peter Mbah administration has been able to further scale up the IGR, as Enugu State collected a total IGR of N406.77 billion in 2025, representing 80 per cent budget performance and a 125 per cent growth from the 2024 figure,” he said.

    By 2025, the state consolidated its fiscal strategy, generating N406.77 billion, with non-tax revenue accounting for N355.2 billion or 87.4 per cent, while tax revenue stood at N51.5 billion, representing 12.6 per cent.

    Nnamani attributed the surge largely to the recovery, revitalisation, and optimisation of state-owned assets that were previously dormant, alongside improved revenue tracking mechanisms.

    “Out of the N406.7 billion IGR, tax revenue is N51.5 billion while non-tax revenue is N355.2 billion. Most of the non-tax revenue is driven by recovery, revitalisation and optimisation of state assets that were previously moribund,” he explained.

    The administration also recorded strong growth in tax revenue performance, with collections rising from N30 billion in 2024 to N51.5 billion in 2025, representing a 72 per cent year-on-year increase.

    According to the ENSIRS chief, the steady tax growth reflects improved compliance levels, strengthened enforcement of existing tax laws, and increased public confidence in government spending.

    He also linked improved tax compliance to visible infrastructure and social sector investments across the state, including Smart Green Schools, Primary Healthcare Centres, transport infrastructure, and major economic projects.

    “What we have done is to plug leakages in revenue collection and introduce technology to ensure traceability, accountability, and transparency. People are now encouraged to pay their taxes because they can see the transformation going on across sectors in Enugu State,” he added.

    Looking ahead, the state has projected an ambitious N870 billion IGR target for 2026, with plans to implement pro-citizen tax reforms while expanding alternative revenue sources.

    Nnamani further commended residents and businesses for supporting the administration’s economic reforms, assuring that transparency and accountability would remain central to revenue management and public spending.

  • ABUAD, United Nigeria Airlines sign MoU on students’ industrial training

    ABUAD, United Nigeria Airlines sign MoU on students’ industrial training

    Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) to provide structured industrial training for engineering students of the institution.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony of the MoU, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, said the partnership will bring the university and airline together to provide practical, hands-on, and globally competitive education.

    Olarinde noted that under the agreement, about 20 final-year students of ABUAD’s College of Engineering would annually undergo robust and hands-on training in aeronautical and aerospace engineering through the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme at the airline.

    She said that the collaboration, designed to run for a renewable period of 10 years at no financial cost to the university, fosters a long-term investment in human capital development, skills transfer, and the grooming of a new generation of Nigerian aerospace professionals.

    He added that the airline’s decision to commence flight operations into Ado-Ekiti in December 2025 had fulfilled an age-long aspiration of the university’s Founder, Afe Babalola (SAN), for air connectivity to the town, describing the development as a demonstration of faith in ABUAD students.

    In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, said that the airline was honoured to partner ABUAD, stressing that merit, excellence, and shared values informed the collaboration.

    He noted that strong nations thrive on close ties between political leadership and intellectual institutions, urging Nigerian leaders to leverage universities for solutions to national challenges.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    Okonkwo said that the airline regarded the partnership as part of its broader social responsibility and commitment to practical education that delivers value beyond certificates.

    He added that graduates of ABUAD had continued to distinguish themselves, describing the university as an institution that had exceeded expectations.

    The Founder of ABUAD, Chief Babalola, who described education as the bedrock of national development, thanked United Nigeria Airlines for formalising the partnership with the university.

    Babalola said the MoU would contribute significantly to manpower development in Nigeria’s aviation and engineering sectors and commended Okonkwo for his professional achievements and support for educational advancement.

  • Controversy Trails Alleged Appointment of Non-APC Members, Ex-PDP Member Mubarak Mijinyawa as City Boy Secretary in Gombe

    Controversy Trails Alleged Appointment of Non-APC Members, Ex-PDP Member Mubarak Mijinyawa as City Boy Secretary in Gombe

    The recent developments within the Gombe State City Boy Movement have raised serious concerns among party faithful and committed stakeholders who desire stability, credibility, and long-term growth for the APC in Gombe State.

    While we recognise the importance of strengthening the Movement through new appointments, the manner and timing of certain decisions call for careful reconsideration.

    According to the official announcement, the following appointments were made:

    Mr. Auwal Ibrahim – Coordinator

    Mubarak Mijinyawa – State Secretary 

    Hon. Alhaji A. Ahmadu – Gombe North Zonal Coordinator

    Hon. Aishatu Abubakar Hashidu – State Treasurer

    Hon. Naomi J. J. Awak – State Women Coordinator

    Mr. Adamu Babale Makera – State Youth Coordinator

    Mr. Aliyu Baba Usman – Senior Special Assistant (General Duties)

    Mr. Zubairu Sani – Senior Special Assistant (Media)

    Mr. Lukman Hassan – Senior Special Assistant (Media II)

    Mr. Musa Galadima – Coordinator

    Abbas Hussaini Sukola – Financial Secretary

    Mr. Abdullahi Adamu Misilli – Assistant Secretary

    While appointments are necessary for organizational growth, leadership positions within any APC-affiliated movement must be reserved for individuals whose loyalty to the party is clear, tested, and publicly established.

    Of particular concern is the reported inclusion of individuals whose transition and integration into the APC structure remain unclear. Granting strategic roles under such circumstances risks discouraging long-standing party members who have demonstrated consistent dedication and sacrifice. It may also create avoidable tension within the Movement.

    Political movements thrive on transparency, due process, and internal trust. When appointments appear hurried or lacking broad consultation, they create room for factional suspicion and internal divisions, ultimately weakening the structure the Movement seeks to build.

    For the City Boy Movement to remain credible and effective, leadership must demonstrate fairness, strategic foresight, and strict adherence to party processes. Every appointment should strengthen unity, not raise questions about commitment or ideological alignment.

    We therefore respectfully urge the leadership to ensure that all appointments reflect discipline, loyalty, transparency, and proper integration within the APC framework.

    The future of the APC in Gombe State depends on responsible decisions today. The Movement must remain guided by principles that protect its credibility and safeguard the collective interest of party members.

  • Tinubu, wife to visit UK in March on state invitation from King Charles III

    Tinubu, wife to visit UK in March on state invitation from King Charles III

    • …First Nigerian leader to pay UK state visit in 37 years
    • …King Charles, Queen Camilla to host President, First Lady at Windsor Castle

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from March 18 to 19, 2026, following an invitation by King Charles III.

    The visit, which will take place at Windsor Castle, will be the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years.

    The confirmation was made public on Sunday by the British Royal Family via its verified X handle, @RoyalFamily, and later echoed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on his verified account, @aonanuga1956.

    In its announcement, the Royal Family stated: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026. The King and Queen will host the State Visit at Windsor Castle.”

    Onanuga, confirming the development, described it as a historic milestone in Nigeria-UK relations.

    “First state visit of a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years confirmed. President Tinubu and First Lady Remi Tinubu to be hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla from 18th March to 19th March 2026,” he wrote.

    The United Kingdom Mission in Nigeria has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will undertake a State Visit to the UK from March 18 to 19, 2026, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

    In a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, the UK Mission disclosed that President Tinubu, will be accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

    “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from Wednesday, 18th March to Thursday, 19th March 2026.

    “This historic visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen the enduring partnership between our two nations.

    Read Also: Temitope Adeoye calls for carbon credit awareness across Nigeria

    “The King and Queen will host the State Visit at Windsor Castle,” the UK Mission in Nigeria wrote.

    The announcement signals a major diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and is expected to further strengthen ties between both countries, particularly in areas of trade, investment, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.

    State visits are regarded as the highest form of diplomatic engagement between nations, typically involving formal ceremonies and high-level bilateral discussions.

    Further details of the itinerary and official engagements during the two-day visit are expected to be released in the coming weeks.