Prince Charles has attended a state reception hosted by the President of Nigeria following a “low key” arrival in the West African country.
President Olusegun Obasanjo flew in just minutes ahead of the Prince, who was then whisked away to a reception, marking the start of his Royal visit.
British High Commissioner Sir Richard Gozney also greeted the Prince at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
This is the prince’s third tour of the state, after visits in 1990 and 1999.
New rail network
The prince, who is embarking on the two-day visit without his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, received a warm welcome from the president when he arrived for the reception at the State House banqueting hall in Abuja.
The two men met during Charles’ last visit to the country in 1999.
The pair both own farms. President Obasanjo, 69, a former Korea soldier, has a chicken farm, while the prince established Home Farm in Gloucestershire, which is run on organic principles.
It is thought on Tuesday evening, they discussed their mutual interest in agriculture.
The Nigerian government’s plans to expand its railway systems was also thought to be among subjects discussed.
Oil exporter
The prince is on the second leg of his tour of West Africa, promoting regional stability, sustainable development and national reconciliation.
He earlier spent a day in Sierra Leone.
His tour of Nigeria will take him to remote villages, religious buildings and meetings with regional tribal chiefs
Years of military rule in Nigeria ended in 1999, when a civilian government came to power, but since then the country has experienced increasing religious and ethnic tensions.
The introduction of Sharia law in 12 northern states, which have a large Muslim population, in 1999 has provoked problems between followers of Islam and Christians.
Outbreaks of violence in Kano in 2000 and Kadena in 2002, left several thousand people dead.
Despite being the world’s eighth largest oil exporter, Nigeria is a poor country.
Corruption and misrule has led to many of its population of more than 130m having to survive on very little.