King Charles is set to welcome Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to Windsor Castle on Wednesday, marking the first state visit by a Muslim leader during Ramadan in nearly 100 years. The visit proceeds despite Monday's suicide bombings in Borno State, Nigeria, which killed 23 and injured over 100. President Tinubu condemned the attacks, stating Nigeria will not succumb to fear.
The couple arrived at Stansted Airport on Tuesday afternoon and were greeted by the deputy lieutenant of Essex. The two-day state visit includes a carriage procession through Windsor, a Guard of Honour, and a state banquet at St George's Hall, attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. This is the first Nigerian state visit to the UK since 1989 and the first state visit hosted by King Charles since the arrest of Prince Andrew.
Security measures are extensive, with Thames Valley Police deploying additional resources amid the Middle East crisis. The visit falls at the end of Ramadan, so the traditional lunch has been replaced by an afternoon audience with the King. President Tinubu will break his fast privately before the evening banquet. The King will also join the president and first lady to meet interfaith organisations.
Parliament's all-party group for international freedom of religion has urged the government to press Nigeria on human rights, citing Christian persecution. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, a Christian and ordained Pentecostal pastor, has faced threats due to her faith. Nigeria continues to grapple with jihadist and armed gang attacks, including Monday's bombings in Maiduguri and a recent abduction of over 100 women and children in Ngoshe.
