Op-Ed in the The Telegraph of London, written to commemorate his historic state visit, published 19 March 2026
In 1994, as Nigeria’s President-elect was arrested by police, a BBC reporter remarked on his cheerfulness. “Of course,” Chief MKO Abiola replied with a laugh, “you know it’s all part of democracy here.” His election victory annulled, Nigeria once again fell under the shadow of military rule.
As a young senator, I joined those who challenged military rule and defended the democratic mandate. Like many in that struggle, I was forced into exile. Today, I visit Britain as President, at the invitation of His Majesty King Charles III, on the first Nigerian state visit in almost four decades.
Britain stood with the Nigerian people during those dark years. London, for many, became a home for political exiles organising under the National Democratic Coalition – a pro-democracy group that opposed the dictatorship of Sani Abacha. Since then, our countries have stood shoulder to shoulder: from the restoration of democracy in 1999, to confronting the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s north-east, and defending peace and democracy across West Africa.
In an uncertain international landscape, bonds of solidarity built over decades matter. Trust is in short supply. Where it exists, it commands a premium. Britain and Nigeria should put our trust to work for the prosperity of both our peoples.
For both our countries, the opportunity is clear. Nigeria’s scale and trajectory speak for themselves. With the world’s sixth-largest population – projected to more than double by 2050 – Nigeria is one of the fastest growing consumer markets anywhere. Its overwhelmingly youthful population has helped power Africa’s leading technology sector, spanning fintech, creative industries and digital services. Nigeria’s natural resource base – from energy to critical minerals – will be central to global supply chains supporting partners’ energy security and the transition to cleaner power.
For too long, the state played too large a role in the economy. Liberalisation is now allowing Nigeria’s potential to be realised. Stronger growth is taking hold as my administration restructures the economy and opens our markets to trade and investment – including from friends and partners in the United Kingdom.
The City of London has long served as a gateway linking Nigerian opportunity with global capital. Deeper integration can help capital flow more efficiently into the economy, drawing on the strength of London’s financial services industry. The UK is also supporting the establishment of the Lagos International Financial Centre in Nigeria’s commercial capital, ensuring alignment with international standards.
Alongside traditional banking, Nigeria has become the centre of one of the world’s fastest growing fintech ecosystems, creating opportunity for UK investment, expertise and innovation. Tens of millions of Nigerians remain outside the formal banking system, creating vast scope for expanding financial inclusion.
Nigeria, in turn, offers a gateway to West Africa and the wider continent. As the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) deepens, it will provide British firms with an entry point to a market of more than a billion people across Africa – set to become the world’s fastest-growing region this year.
The UK recognised this opportunity early. It was the first non-African nation to sign a memorandum of understanding with the AfCFTA, committing technical assistance to support implementation of the continental trade area. Agreements to be signed during the state visit – including the renovation of Lagos’s ports – will strengthen Nigeria’s role as a logistics hub for West Africa, helping deliver the infrastructure on which trade depends.
Reinforcing UK-Nigeria partnership is our shared membership of the Commonwealth of Nations, whose Head, His Majesty the King, is my host during this visit. While today’s discussions focus on bilateral cooperation, strong partnerships anchor the wider community – at a time when multilateral institutions face growing strain. With untapped potential for trade and investment, our family of nations also offers a powerful platform for growth in a turbulent world.
Shortly before the end of his BBC interview, Abiola said: “Any sacrifice is in order if it will bring democracy, peace and prosperity to Nigeria.” His sacrifice helped secure the first. It now falls to those of us entrusted with leadership, working with partners such as the United Kingdom, to ensure the other two follow.
* Bola Tinubu is the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
