UK secretary of state arrives Nigeria, promises more opportunities

The UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, David Lammy on Sunday arrived in Nigeria on his first visit to Africa.

The Foreign Secretary is expected to announce the start of a five-month consultation process, to ensure African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the UK’s new approach to the continent.

Accommodating the diverse needs and ambitions of 54 countries, the consultation will guarantee the UK’s relationships across Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership.

He said, “Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25% of the world’s population by 2050.

“Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions, and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent.

“I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.

“Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria and beyond. This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.”

The Foreign Secretary will advocate for further collaboration on mutual growth via the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, signed earlier this year.

The partnership is the key vehicle for driving trade and market access between the UK and Nigeria and plays a vital role in the UK’s growth mission.

The UK high commission in a statement said the foreign secretary will advocate for further trade and climate collaboration between Nigeria and the UK in high-level meetings with President Tinubu, Foreign Minister Tuggar, and Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu.

“Building on President Tinubu’s macro-economic reforms, the Foreign Secretary will announce a diverse Technical Assistance package to the Nigerian Ministry of Finance, offering British expertise from the Bank of England, HMRC, and others to help continue to modernise and diversify the Nigerian economy.

“Catalysing reform across Nigeria will create further opportunities within the flourishing Nigerian economy for British businesses – generating growth, jobs and incomes for Brits and Nigerians.”