Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic, Bilateral Ties with UK

President Bola Tinubu has called on the government of the United Kingdom to deepen its partnership with Nigeria and Africa by investing more across sectors to see the African continent attain more sustainable and broad-based prosperity.

President Tinubu made the call on Wednesday when he received the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon. James Cleverly MP, in his office.

This was contained in a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

Calling on the UK to commit more to win-win development partnerships for Nigeria and Africa, the Nigerian leader recalled the history of decades of deep symbiotic connection and economic ties between the continent and the UK, adding that the UK government must work with Nigeria and the rest of Africa to create a competitive, technologically advanced economy that will cater for the needs of all citizens.

While addressing the pressing issue of energy transition and the opportunity for economic growth in Africa and Nigeria, President Tinubu charged the Foreign Secretary on the imperatives of the West and UK, in particular, in mobilising investment to pipe gas from Nigeria to Europe.

On democracy, peace and stability in West Africa, President Tinubu noted that security would remain a challenge as long as there are unstable governments in the sub-region.

He used the opportunity of the visit to decry the situation in Niger, the Sahel region and Horn of Africa where terrorists are finding comfort, asking the government of UK to support Nigeria to secure West Africa.

In his remarks, Rt Hon. Cleverly congratulated the President on his election victory and the steps he has taken so far to reform the economy. He saluted President Tinubu for taking bold and decisive actions on fuel subsidy removal and on multiple foreign exchange markets which he pointed out will bring development to the country in spite of the current pains.

He told President Tinubu about his meeting in Lagos with entrepreneurs, technologists and young people in the creative sector, saying that his home government remains a strategic long-term partner of Nigeria and Africa.

The Foreign Secretary further said he was in Nigeria to promote bilateral and economic partnership.

On the political situation in Republic of Niger, the UK Foreign Secretary offered his government’s support for the decision of ECOWAS and the leadership of President Tinubu in promoting democracy and stability.