King Charles III lauded Nigeria’s cultural and economic influence during a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, hosting President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. The event marked the first day of the Nigerian president’s two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
In a speech delivered in St George’s Hall, the British monarch expressed his admiration for Nigeria’s dynamic growth and its people’s impact on British society. He concluded his remarks with a popular Nigerian Pidgin phrase, “Naija no dey carry last!” (Nigerians never come last), as he proposed a toast to the President and the Nigerian people.
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Reflecting on his previous visits, including one in 2018, King Charles noted that Nigeria “hasn’t merely changed… it has arrived.” He described a nation of over 230 million people, with half under the age of 18, brimming with “energy, ingenuity, ambition and resolve” to address global challenges.
The King acknowledged the profound impact of Nigerian culture on Britain, citing the global success of Afrobeats and Nollywood. He also pointed to Nigerian stars in the Premier League and legal professionals serving in the UK’s highest courts.
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“From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria,” he stated.A Model of Interfaith Harmony
King Charles praised Nigeria as an example of peaceful coexistence between different faiths. He referenced a recent meeting with British Christian and Muslim leaders, highlighting the shared lessons in harmony. “The gathering was a deeply meaningful symbol of what Nigeria has long shown: that people of different faiths can, do, and must live alongside one another, in peace, in harmony and in shared purpose,” he said. He further described Nigeria as an “economic powerhouse, a cultural force and an influential diplomatic voice.”
The monarch addressed the difficult aspects of the two nations’ colonial past, acknowledging the “shadow” it casts. “There are chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks. I do not seek to offer words that dissolve the past, for no words can,” he said, emphasizing the importance of learning from history to forge a better future.
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In a light-hearted moment, King Charles touched upon the famous culinary rivalry over Jollof rice. He recounted hosting a “Jollof and Tea” party for young Nigerians at St. James’s Palace, where he was diplomatically non-committal about which country makes the best version. “I was firmly assured that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!” he joked.
The King highlighted the robust economic relationship, noting that Nigeria became the UK’s largest export market in Africa in January 2026. He pointed to growing investments, with Nigerian banks in the City of London and companies listing on the London Stock Exchange. Mutual tourism is also thriving, with visitors from each country spending approximately £178 million in the other during 2024.
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Drawing on Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage, King Charles quoted proverbs in Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo to underscore the theme of partnership. He endorsed President Tinubu’s view that the Commonwealth’s time “has come” and affirmed Nigeria’s central role in expanding intra-Commonwealth trade.
Describing the UK-Nigeria relationship as a “partnership of equals,” the King spoke of a “deeply spiritual connection” that transcends formal institutions. He concluded that these strong ties are fundamental to ensuring shared security, prosperity, and hope for the future.
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King Charles III has celebrated the significant contributions of over half a million Nigerians and individuals of Nigerian descent living in the United Kingdom.
He lauded the community as a “living bridge” between the two nations, highlighting their role in enriching British culture across a wide array of fields. The King acknowledged their impact in business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, the arts, and public service.
Concluding his address on a high note, King Charles delighted the audience by using a popular Nigerian Pidgin phrase. “Naija no dey carry last!” he declared, which translates to “Nigerians never come last,” drawing warm applause and laughter.
