In a show of commitment to enhance the relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, King Charles III has expressed his willingness to collaborate with the newly inaugurated administration in Nigeria.
The monarch conveyed his congratulations to President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their inauguration and extended his well wishes as they embark on their new roles.
In a statement issued on Monday, King Charles emphasized his eagerness to build stronger bilateral ties between the UK and Nigeria.
He addressed President Tinubu directly, stating, “Dear Mr. President, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your inauguration as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to send you every possible good wish as you assume the many responsibilities of your office. As Commonwealth partners with a deep bond, I look forward to building an even stronger friendship between our countries during your Presidency.”
President Tinubu took the oaths of office and allegiance as the 16th President of Nigeria in an inauguration ceremony held in Abuja. In his inaugural address at Eagle Square, he unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at positioning the country on the path of economic development, stability, and prosperity.
Following his inauguration, President Tinubu held a meeting with envoys from various countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Israel, Cape Verde, Somalia, and Nicaragua, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Representing King Charles III, a UK delegation led by Helen Grant, the prime minister’s trade envoy to Nigeria and special envoy on girls’ education, and Richard Montgomery, British high commissioner to Nigeria, attended the event.
Grant, expressing her priorities, stated, “My priority is to strengthen our bilateral trade and investment partnership, to the mutual benefit of our two great nations, and I look forward to working alongside the new administration to further that goal. In this, the land of my father, I hold a great affection for its people, and my work in ensuring every girl gets 12 years of quality education will also remain at the top of my Nigerian agenda.” Montgomery also affirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria, while emphasizing the desire to enhance partnership in trade, development, and security with the new administration.
With King Charles III’s dedication to fostering stronger ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria and President Tinubu’s outlined vision for economic progress and stability, the stage is set for a promising partnership that holds the potential for mutual growth and collaboration between the two nations.