‘Naija No Dey Carry Last,’ King Charles Praises Nigerians In UK
- Africa Global News
Favour Chikwesiri Michael
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- 4 minutes read
Britain’s King Charles III and Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu stand with their wives Britain’s Queen Camilla (L) and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as they pose for a photograph in the Grand Corridor, during an audience at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President. (Photo by Aaron Chown /
King Charles III has praised the contributions of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom.
The monarch, who spoke at a royal banquet organised in honour of President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, highlighted the impact of Nigerians across British society, describing them as central to the country’s growth and innovation.
“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life,” he said.
The king noted that Nigerians were excelling “at the highest level of business, technology, academia, law, science, sports, literature, and the arts.”
Nigerian Jollof
King Charles also shared a light-hearted moment from a recent reception at St. James’s Palace, where he hosted Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of them to a jollof and tea party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured that the jollof was only the best — Nigerian, of course.
“Or, perhaps, it was Ghanaian or Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember,” he added.
Speaking further, King Charles said, “But who could have imagined that when I first visited Nigeria, 36 years ago today, so many of those I might have met would have gone on to have such an impact in the United Kingdom.
“From Afrobeats filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars competing in our Premier League and adjudicating in our highest courts, so much of Britain’s culture is in truth profoundly enriched by Nigerians.
“Let me propose a toast to the President and people of Nigeria. Naija no dey carry last.”
— whether they are Nigerians who have chosen
Military Honours
Tinubu commenced his two-day state visit marked by full ceremonial honours on Wednesday.
He was received with traditional state pageantry, featuring a guard of honour and a ceremonial gun salute—symbolising the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The President’s state visit includes high-level engagements with British officials and interactions with members of the Nigerian diaspora.
The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, boosting trade and investment, and reinforcing cooperation in key sectors such as security and education.
The strong presence of Nigerians in the UK is also seen as a strategic asset in deepening ties between both countries.
