The UK’s King Charles III has welcomed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at Windsor Castle in the first state visit by the leader of Africa’s most populous nation in nearly four decades.
More than 1,000 soldiers were out in force on Wednesday for the diplomatic show of soft power by the royal family.
With trade between the two countries at a record high, Charles is using the two-day visit to highlight the pair’s deep cultural and commercial links.
Tinubu has made less formal visits to the United Kingdom several times during his tenure, and the two countries remain major partners in trade, aid and defence. London is also home to a large Nigerian diaspora of about 300,000 people.
Nigeria’s presidency said the visit signalled a “renewed chapter” and reflected a shared commitment to “advancing trade and strengthening diplomatic ties”.
King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted the president and his wife in Windsor, west of London, as artillery fired salutes.
Both Nigerian flags and Union Jacks fluttered amid the procession.
The Nigerian president and his wife earlier chatted with heir-to-the-throne Prince William and his wife Catherine, at a hotel in the town.
Calling the visit “historic”, London announced Nigerian companies, including banks, are expanding operations and creating hundreds of jobs in the UK, strengthening it as a global hub for African business.
The party then rode in carriages to the historic Windsor Castle.
Later, the king and queen showed the president and first lady items from the UK’s colonial rule of Nigeria, which existed until 1960. (AlJazeera)
President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, a legendary Super Eagles midfielder who passed away on Saturday at the age of 62.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu joined the Nigerian football community in mourning the exceptionally skilled Nwosu, whose football artistry remains the stuff of legends.
The President recalled Nwosu’s brilliance on the field of play as a 17-year-old in the then-Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations.
President Tinubu acknowledged Nwosu’s over a decade of service to the nation as a member of the national football team, his role in subsequent AFCON tournaments in 1982, 1984, and 1988, and his contributions to sports development in the country.
The President stated that Nigerians will always remember the late playmaker for the pride and joy he brought to the nation and for inspiring many compatriots to greater accomplishments.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of Nwosu’s soul and comfort for his family. (Leadership)
A political advocacy group within the All Progressives Congress on Friday urged the national leadership of the party to exercise caution in selecting governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections, warning that poor choices could threaten the party’s fortunes in the South-West and potentially undermine the re-election prospects of President Bola Tinubu in the region.
The Oyo APC Youth League particularly cautioned against two prominent politicians who had previously failed in their attempts to clinch the governorship tickets in their respective states but are reportedly preparing to contest again in 2027.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the group’s spokesman, Taorid Olawale, said the party must place a premium on integrity, credibility and grassroots appeal in choosing candidates across key South-West states.
He said, “We urge the party to prioritise integrity, credibility, and grassroots acceptance in selecting candidates for key states in the South-west, particularly Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states.
“In Yorubaland, personal history and public reputation of political aspirants remain critical factors in determining electoral support.”
According to him, voters in the region expect candidates whose lives reflect honesty, public service and a genuine connection to the grassroots.
Olawale warned that presenting aspirants with questionable records or widespread public distrust could damage the credibility of the ruling party and weaken its electoral chances in the South-West, particularly in Oyo State.
He further argued that such decisions could also negatively affect President Tinubu’s anticipated bid for re-election in 2027.
The youth league also highlighted the political significance of Ibadan and referenced the counsel of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, describing him as a respected technocrat, former senator and former governor whose voice still carries weight among the people.
Olawale emphasised that the royal father’s experience in governance and deep grassroots connection make his perspective valuable in guiding both the President and the APC in identifying credible candidates, especially in Oyo State.
He said, “In politics, sins are not forgiven; they are merely kept until the right time for reckoning,” warning that allowing controversial figures to secure party tickets through internal political manoeuvring could have far-reaching consequences for the party across the region.
“The stakes are high, and history will not forgive a misstep. In this regard, an opinion poll has truly indicated that the APC as a party may have a deficit of victory in the next governorship election in Oyo state if it fields any of its old candidates.
“The APC can rob itself of victory if its leadership turns defiant against public expectation of picking a young, fresh, virtuous and modest candidate to represent the party in the 2027 governorship election.”
The spokesman concluded by warning that the decisions taken by the party in selecting candidates for Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states would play a decisive role in determining whether the APC retains its dominance in the South-West or faces rejection by the electorate. (Punch)
Britain will impose airspace restrictions and deploy armed police officers in Windsor next week as President Bola Tinubu arrives for a state visit hosted by King Charles III.
Tinubu is expected to begin the visit in the company of his wife Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday, March 18, with a reception at Windsor Castle.
Thames Valley Police in a statement on its website on Wednesday, said it is working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, the Royal Household and other security partners.
The force said airspace restrictions over Windsor Castle, which are in place permanently throughout the year, would be extended on Wednesday, March 18, to cover the period from 7am to 11.59pm.
Chief Superintendent Adrian Hall of Thames Valley Police’s Joint Operations Unit said the air restrictions formed part of a broader security operation for the visit.
“The air restrictions are just one part of our robust security operation for the state visit of Nigerian President Tinubu next week, with many measures you will see and others you will not..
“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing Royal events in Windsor and significant planning, and preparation has gone into this event,” Hall said.
He said the force would take a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions, warning that any breach would constitute a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could lead to arrest.
“We will be taking a strong stance in enforcing the restrictions; anyone who breaches them will be committing a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order and could be arrested.”
The police chief said officers with specialist capabilities, including search teams, the Mounted Section, road policing, and armed units, would be deployed across Windsor, alongside neighbourhood policing and Project Servator resources.
“We will also be deploying numerous police officers to Windsor with specialist capabilities, including our search teams, Mounted Section, Roads Policing and armed units, while our neighbourhood and Project Servator resources will also be on the ground engaging with the public,” he said.
The authorities will also deploy an extensive closed-circuit television network, hostile vehicle mitigation barriers, and other undisclosed security measures for the event.
Hall said, “We will also be using the extensive CCTV network in Windsor, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation barriers, and many other security measures that you may not be able to see to make sure the event runs safely.”
He urged members of the public to support the security operation by remaining vigilant.
“The public plays a critical role to support us so we encourage them to report any suspicious activity or anything that does not seem quite right by calling 101 or speaking to one of our officers. If there is an immediate threat or emergency, then call 999,” Hall added.
Road closures and parking restrictions will take effect from Tuesday, March 17, with possible temporary disruption to roads in and around Windsor during the visit.
Thames Valley Police said it was being supported by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services to enforce the flight restrictions. Persons with legitimate reasons for drone flying were directed to email TVPAirspaceRequests@thamesvalley.police.uk. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has nominated a former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Lamido Yuguda, as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The nomination, which is subject to confirmation by the Senate, was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the appointment was made in line with Section 8(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.
Onanuga said Yuguda’s nomination follows the recent appointment of the former CBN Deputy Governor, Bala Bello, as Special Adviser to the President on Political Economy.
“The President charges them to discharge their responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, in their respective roles,” the statement read.
“The President charges them to discharge their responsibilities with renewed dedication, professionalism, and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth, in their respective roles,” the statement read.
The President urged the nominee to discharge his duties with professionalism and commitment to Nigeria’s economic stability and growth.
Yuguda served as Director-General of the SEC from 2020 to 2024. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday announced the resolution of the long-running dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, clearing the path for the development of one of Nigeria’s most commercially significant deepwater oil assets.
The breakthrough followed the signing of a settlement agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria, ENI, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAEL) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of ENI, Claudio Descalzi; the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Guido Brusco; Head of Sub-Saharan Region, Mario Bello; Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Exploration, Fabrizio Bolondi; and the President’s Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen.
The agreement brings to an end more than 15 years of legal and commercial disputes surrounding the oil block, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most promising deepwater assets.
With the settlement concluded, attention is expected to shift to the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Zabazaba, Etan deepwater development project, which could add about 150,000 barrels per day to Nigeria’s crude oil production capacity.
President Tinubu described the agreement as a major milestone in his administration’s efforts to resolve legacy disputes, restore investor confidence and unlock the country’s energy potential.
“This resolution sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law and create a stable environment for long-term capital,” the President said.
The President’s Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, said the settlement represented a significant improvement over the 2011 Resolution Agreement and aligns with the regulatory framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
According to her, the revised terms strike a balance between providing investors with the clarity and predictability required for large-scale deepwater investments while ensuring stronger value for the Nigerian federation.
“The revised terms provide investors with the certainty required to proceed with major deepwater investments, while ensuring stronger value accretion and safeguards for the federation,” she said.
The resolution forms part of broader reforms introduced since 2023 to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global energy markets. These reforms, anchored in the Petroleum Industry Act and supported by executive policy measures, have begun attracting renewed investor interest and capital inflows into the country’s oil and gas sector.
Verheijen noted that resolving the OPL 245 dispute removes one of the most prominent legacy risks in Nigeria’s upstream industry and reinforces the government’s commitment to predictable regulation, transparent governance and commercially viable investment frameworks.
President Tinubu commended all institutions and stakeholders involved in achieving the settlement, including the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC Limited and the leadership of ENI.
The administration said the resolution underscores its determination to unlock Nigeria’s strategic energy assets, attract responsible investment and ensure that the nation’s resources translate into economic growth, job creation and long-term prosperity for Nigerians. (Guardian)
Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has inaugurated a seven-member steering committee on the establishment of state police in Nigeria.
The committee, which will be led by Olu Ogunsakin, a professor of police studies, was inaugurated on Wednesday.
Speaking during the inauguration, Disu, who was recently appointed as IGP, asked the committee to propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
The IGP asked the committee to review issues pertaining to training, recruitment, resource allocation, and oversight mechanisms necessary for the state police structures.
Disu said the decentralisation of the police will enable state government and local authorities to respond to specific security challenges within their jurisdictions.
“It is my greatest privilege to formally inaugurate this committee on state policing. The task before this committee is both significant and timely as it speaks to our reflective demand to strengthen Nigeria’s security,” he said
“The committee we are inaugurating today has a critical responsibility. Your work will help shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria in a manner that strengthens, rather than fragments, our national security system.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as ours.
“Among other responsibilities, the Committee is expected to: review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria; assess community security needs and emerging risks across the country; propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of State Police structures; address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards, and resource allocation; develop robust accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
“If thoughtfully designed and effectively implemented, State Policing holds significant potential benefits for our country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats.”
Other members of the committee are Bode Ojajuni (secretary), Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor, Tolulope Ipinmisho, and Emmanuel Ojukwu.
On numerous occasions, President Bola Tinubu has promised that his administration will create state police as part of the measures to address the country’s insecurity.
Recently, Tinubu asked both chambers of the national assembly to amend the 1999 constitution to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police.
The national assembly has commenced the process of amending the 1999 constitution to accommodate the establishment of state. (TheCable)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 65 ambassadors, comprising 31 non-career and 34 career diplomats, to Nigeria’s foreign missions across the world and the United Nations.
The envoys had earlier been confirmed by the Senate in December 2025 following their nomination by the President.
A statement on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already secured agreement from the United Kingdom for Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, and from France for Ambassador Ayo Oke.
According to the Presidency, the ministry has also transmitted the names of the remaining envoys to their respective host countries, requesting diplomatic clearance in line with established international protocol.
“President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners,” the statement said.
Among the prominent non-career ambassadors approved for postings are former Adamawa South lawmaker, Senator Grace Bent, who will serve in Lomé, Togo; former presidential adviser, Senator Ita Enang, posted to South Africa; former Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, assigned to Spain; and former Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, posted to Qatar.
Other notable postings include former Chief of Naval Staff and Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), to the Philippines; former Interior Minister, Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), to China; former Ogun State deputy governor, Olufemi Pedro, to Australia; and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayodele Oke, to France.
Also appointed are former presidential aide and media personality, Reno Omokri, to Mexico, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, to Germany; Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Prof. Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health, to Canada.
Other non-career envoys include Barrister Chioma Ohakim to Poland, Senator Nora Daduut to South Korea, former intelligence chief Ayodele Oke to France, Yakubu Gambo to Saudi Arabia, and Lateef Kayode Are to the United States.
For the 34 career ambassadors, Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka has been posted to Côte d’Ivoire; Ambassador Besto Maimuna Ibrahim to Niger; Ambassador Monica Okwuchukwu Enebeli to São Tomé and Príncipe; Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria; and Ambassador Endoni Syndoph Paebi to Burkina Faso.
Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno will serve in Egypt; Ambassador Jane Adams Michael to Jamaica; Ambassador Alexandra Clark-Omeru to Zambia; Ambassador Chima Geoffrey Lioma David to Mali; and Ambassador Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah to Equatorial Guinea.
Ambassador Segun Ige will represent Nigeria in Lebanon, while Ambassador Ruben Abimbola Samuel has been posted to Italy, and Ambassador Ogechukwu Kingsley Onaga to Mozambique.
Other postings include Ambassador Magaji Umar to the Democratic Republic of Congo; Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru to India; Ambassador Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal; Ambassador Shehu Ilu Barde to Ghana; and Ambassador Aminu Nasir to Ethiopia. (Nation)
Taiwo Oyedele, minister of state for finance-designate, says at least 12 states have enacted the tax harmonisation law.
The tax harmonisation law is part of the broader tax reform agenda introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
On January 1, the president said harmonised tax laws will boost the federal government’s capacity to fund infrastructure projects.
According to NAN, Oyedele spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of 5,900 young entrepreneurs trained by the MTN Foundation on entrepreneurship, business and innovation.
He said 13 other states have already presented the proposed law before their respective state houses of assembly for consideration, while others are at different stages of implementing the reforms.
The minister-designate added that the tax reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are designed to modernise Nigeria’s fiscal framework, support business growth, protect vulnerable groups and reset the country’s economic structure.
Oyedele said the states tax harmonisation law seeks to eliminate nuisance taxes and prevent harassment of citizens under any guise.
He added that the law will simplify the tax system, protect taxpayers’ rights and address unfair tax treatment.
“Transparency, fiscal discipline, responsibility and accountability remain critical pillars of an effective tax system,” he said.
On June 26, 2025, Tinubu signed the four tax reform bills into law.
The president said the reforms are not about raising taxes, but about creating a structural reset, driving harmonisation and strengthening the social contract. (TheCable)
President Bola Tinubu has decorated Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu with his new rank at the State House, Abuja.
The decoration ceremony, which followed his swearing-in, took place at the first floor office of the President during an expanded session attended by top government and security officials including National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the immediate past IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform commended the outgoing IGP Egbetokun for his service to the nation.
Disu’s appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspector-General of Police to serve a four year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain for the next couple of years.
Until his elevation, Disu served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
He previously held strategic roles, including Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. (ThisDay)
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