Inauguration: King Charles congratulates Tinubu, seeks ‘stronger friendship’

King Charles III has expressed his willingness to work with newly inaugurated administration in Nigeria, saying he was committed strengthening the ties between the United Kingdom and Africa’s most populous country. 

While congratulating President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their inauguration, the monarch wished the duo well as they assume their new roles. 

In a statement on Monday, King Charles said he looked forward to building a stronger bilateral ties between the UK and Nigeria.

“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,” the statement read. 

Caracal Media reports that Tinubu, on Monday, in Abuja, took the oaths of office and allegiance as the 16th President of Nigeria. 

Tinubu in his inaugural address at Eagle Square also unveiled a series of steps he would take to position the country on the path of economic development, stability and prosperity.

Shortly after his inauguration, the President met with envoys from the United Kingdom, United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Israel, Cape Verde, Somalia and Nicaragua at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

A UK delegation headed 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, represented the monarch at the inauguration.

“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,” Grant said.

“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 added that the UK would work with the new administration to support a more prosperous and resilient Nigeria, and strengthen partnership on trade, development, and security.