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- Says UK-Nigeria partnership to build path to prosperity and mutual success
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly, has praised Nigeria ongoing reform programmes.
According to him, these reforms have garnered attention and are expected to make Nigeria an even more attractive destination for UK inward investment.
He added that this boost in investment presents opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.
Cleverly spoke after an audience with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, where he expressed excitement at both countries partnership.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting, Cleverly, who began by extending congratulations to Nigeria on its recent election, described the engagement with President Tinubu as a fruitful discussions, emphasising the significance of collaboration and commendable reforms in Nigeria.
He noted that during his visit to Lagos, he met with a diverse range of individuals, including business people, entrepreneurs, technologists, and those in the creative industries.
Cleverly said the discussions centered on key topics such as trade, investment, and the upcoming Africa Investment Summit that the UK will be hosting in London in the early part of next year.
He said the commitment to work closely on vital issues of defense, security, trade, and investment was reiterated during the meeting, underscoring the shared interests between the UK and Nigeria.
He said to facilitate this collaboration, both countries pledged to schedule regular formal engagements at the ministerial and senior official levels, ensuring that the foundation of the bilateral relationship continues to strengthen.
Highlighting his observations, Cleverly applauded Nigeria’s remarkable level of innovation, which he believed positioned the nation as an increasingly important player within Africa and globally.
Recognising the mutual benefit, he expressed the UK’s commitment to a strong partnership with Nigeria, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision of collaborating with the UK as a partner country for the future.
Cleverly also said the discussion also touched on the situation in Niger, where the UK welcomed ECOWAS’ decisive actions.
He reiterated the joint commitment to democracy and firmly denounced violence as a means for political change.
He said the UK actively supports the restoration of peace, stability, and democracy in Niger, standing in solidarity with Nigeria and ECOWAS in pursuit of these shared goals.
He said he looks forward to next year’s UK Africa Investment Summit, expressing anticipation for a Nigerian delegation to attend.
He specifically emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s dynamic creative industries, which have showcased remarkable talent and cultural exports like Afro beats.
Cleverly believed that these industries can make a substantial contribution not only during the summit but also in British society as a whole.
Cleverly expressed gratitude to Nigeria for the enduring and strong partnership between both nations.
He assured that the UK is committed to elevating this relationship to even greater heights in the future, forging a path of collaboration and prosperity between the two countries.
