Nigeria’s first state visit since 1989: President Bola Tinubu UK | the news

London, United Kingdom – When Nigerian President Bola Tinubu arrives in the UK this week, the visit will have more than ceremonial significance. This is the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in 37 years.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle from Wednesday to Thursday.

The last Nigerian state visit, one of Britain’s most important diplomatic tools, Held in 1989 when then military ruler Ibrahim Babangida met Queen Elizabeth II.

“Since Nigeria returned to democracy (in 1999), this honor has been given by the British monarchy to a democratically elected Nigerian head of state,” said Ikenna Okonkwo, head of data integrity at Nigerian intelligence consultancy SBM Intelligence.

The visit comes at a time when both countries are trying to deepen economic cooperation.

Nigeria is one of Britain’s most important partners in Africa. Trade between the pair was worth more than 8 billion pounds ($10.6bn) in the year to October.

In 2024, they signed a trade and investment partnership aimed at expanding trade opportunities.

Among members of the Nigerian community in the UK, there are mixed feelings about the visit.

Monica, a London-based business owner who requested Al Jazeera withhold her surname, is skeptical that it will make a tangible difference.

“What is he (Tinubu) coming here for? He needs to solve problems at home,” he told Al Jazeera, pointing to economic problems and violence in some parts of the country. “Look at the State of the Economy in Nigeria.”

A country under stress

Tinubu, a trained accountant and former Mobil Oil executive in his 70s, took office in May 2023 after a tightly contested election.

Early in his presidency, he implemented sweeping economic reforms aimed at bringing stability and attracting foreign investment. But they provoked a sharp rise in the cost of living.

“The country is dealing with a lot – from security concerns to economic pressures,” Okonkwo said. “Ending the fuel subsidy and changing the currency regime created significant difficulties for many Nigerians as it pushed inflation too high.”

Security is another important issue. Armed groups and banditry affect several regions while instability across the Sahel has increased pressure on West African states.

“There are perennial issues around power supply, cost of living and security,” Okonkwo said.

What leaders hope to achieve

Policymakers view the visit as an opportunity to advance strategic interests.

Kabir Adamu, managing director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited in Abuja, said some may see the visit as a way to reset relations after Britain’s exit from the European Union.

He told Al Jazeera that discussions are likely to focus on expanding trade and investment partnerships and cooperating on security, migration policy and climate finance.

“The UK will secure deep commercial access to Africa’s largest market,” he said. “At the same time, Nigeria will receive the foreign direct investment and security support needed to stabilize its domestic economy.”

Tinubu is expected to use the visit to promote his government’s economic agenda.

“The President will actively pitch his administration’s macroeconomic reforms to attract British investment into sectors such as mining, energy and Nigeria’s creative industries,” Adamu said.

But he warned the talks could also touch on sensitive areas, including UK immigration rules affecting Nigerian students and workers, and human rights debates and the return of historic artefacts.

“A successful visit will produce tangible results, such as trade agreements, commitments by British companies to invest in Nigerian infrastructure and stronger security cooperation,” Adamu said.

Oil, investment and global politics

Power can also appear in discussions.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, although production has fluctuated in recent years due to pipeline theft and security issues in the Niger Delta. The government is trying to increase the production according to the demand.

As a major hydrocarbon producer, Nigeria could become increasingly important in the volatile global energy market, Okonkwo said.

“Nigeria is trying to increase its production again,” he said. “Given the geopolitical tensions surrounding energy supply globally, West African producers such as Nigeria become increasingly relevant.”

Beyond oil, Nigeria is seeking investment in manufacturing, infrastructure and power generation as it seeks to diversify its economy.

“One of the biggest barriers to investment is insecurity,” he said. “There are ongoing questions around governance and corruption that international partners are paying attention to.”

The ‘foundational’ diaspora factor

The Nigerian diaspora, estimated to be one of the largest African communities in Britain, is an important bridge. According to official figures, more than 270,000 people in the UK were born in Nigeria.

Adamu described the diaspora as “fundamental” to the bilateral relationship.

“They drive economic remittances, act as a source of soft power and act as a cultural bridge between the two nations,” he said.

Remittances play an important role in supporting families back home. For many expatriates, those financial ties mean closely following political and economic developments in Nigeria.

Okonkwo noted that some members of the diaspora are increasingly critical of the government.

“A large number of Nigerians have moved to the UK in recent years due to the deteriorating situation at home,” he said.

For some in the diaspora, the visit represents an opportunity for dialogue. Okonkwo said engagement between the government abroad and Nigerians could be crucial.

“I think there are interactions not only with elites but also with diaspora organizations,” he said.

Diplomacy and expectations

Finally, the ceremonies at Windsor Castle will showcase the traditional performance of the UK and indicate the importance London places on relations with Africa’s largest economy. And this is closely watched by Nigerians at home and abroad.

For analysts like Adamu, success is measured in concrete results.

“If the trip generates real investment commitments and stronger security cooperation, it will achieve something meaningful,” he said.

For Nigerians in the UK, the test goes beyond photo opportunities.

Tinbu “is here to have tea with the king. He sits down, takes a few pictures and then comes back,” said Goodwin, the business owner. “For him (Tinubu) to say, ‘When I was president, I dined with the king’. That’s all for him. Nigerians don’t care.