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UK state visit: First Lady Remi Tinubu to preach at Lambeth Palace

LONDON – Marking Nigeria’s first official state visit to the United Kingdom in nearly 40 years, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is scheduled to deliver a sermon at Lambeth Palace, the historic seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, this Thursday.

The First Lady’s address to the Church of England comes as part of a high-profile diplomatic itinerary following the arrival of President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady at London’s Stansted Airport on Tuesday.

The visit is anchored by significant royal protocol. On Wednesday, the President and First Lady would meet with King Charles III and the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine.

The day will culminate in a formal audience with the King at Windsor Castle, followed by a prestigious state banquet.

The visit underscores a deepening alliance between the two nations. In November 2024, London and Abuja finalized a Strategic Partnership focused on economic growth, immigration, and security. Key discussions are expected to include:

Trade Expansion: Bilateral trade reached £8.1 billion ($11 billion) in the year ending September 2025, an 11.4% increase.
Infrastructure: British-backed renovations of major Nigerian ports.
Security Cooperation: Addressing regional stability following recent tragedies.

Visit amidst domestic challenges

The diplomatic celebration is tempered by a somber security situation at home. Following suspected suicide bombings in Borno State on Monday that claimed at least 23 lives, President Tinubu has ordered security chiefs to Maiduguri to take direct command of the situation.

The administration also continues to navigate international scrutiny regarding the long-standing insurgency.

The visit serves as a platform to strengthen defense ties and address complex narratives surrounding religious freedom and security within the country.

On Thursday, President Tinubu is slated to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and engage with the UK’s vibrant Nigerian diaspora. Notably, the official schedule omits the traditional meeting with the British opposition leadership.

While President Tinubu met with King Charles as recently as September 2024, this week marks the first formal State Visit—the highest level of diplomatic honour—since 1989.