United Kingdom pledges job creation initiatives in Nigeria

Britain has pledged increased trade relations with Nigeria targeting job creation initiatives with Nigeria.

The British Government, which has been involved in training Nigerian military fighters for the counter terrorism effort in the North East, said efforts are on to ensure that British companies already in Nigeria, continue to invest in the economy while new investors would be encouraged to come into the country.

British High Commissioner, Paul Arkwright, stated this during a visit to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa in Abuja recently.

Arkwright said he is making efforts to attract investments in sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, infrastructure, power and solar energy, which will provide employment for Nigerians.

He noted that UK remains a primary investor in Nigeria with companies such as Shell, Guinness, Unilever and a host of others who already have multi billion dollars investments in Nigeria.

He however pointed out that the low investors’ confidence in Nigeria, has been a challenge, adding, “but I am saying they should come and explore for themselves.”

He also used the occasion to pledge Britain’s support to Nigeria on improved trade ties and cooperation; while also condoling with Nigeria on the recently killed Nigerian student in London.

He added that a number of persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder, and that the UK Government will ensure the suspects are prosecuted and sentenced.

Dabiri-Erewa thanked the High Commissioner for being proactive on the case of the slain Nigerian student. She also thanked him for making a follow up visit to London on the case, possible.

That visit, according to her, also enabled her team to have a meeting with some Diaspora Nigerians in London and Newcastle. “We will express your condolence to the mother of the student killed in London. Thank you for being proactive on that case,” she said.

Seventeen year old Fola Orebiyi, was reportedly stabbed to death on Sunday July 3, in Notting Hill, London, by a gang of youths who were engaged in a street fight.