In a move to fortify the ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, the UK’s Minister for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, has commenced a three-day visit to Nigeria with a view to deepen the bilateral partnership between the two countries, focusing on various areas of mutual benefit.
According to a statement released by the British High Commission, Badenoch will engage in discussions with her Nigerian counterparts and other key government officials during her stay. The agenda includes talks on issues that hold significance for both nations, exploring avenues for collaboration and cooperation.
This visit comes following the UK’s former Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly’s visit to Nigeria last August for an official visit that laid the groundwork for subsequent discussions on defense and security collaboration. Kemi Badenoch’s visit is set to build upon the ongoing efforts initiated by both countries to enhance the UK-Nigeria trade relationship and identify new investment opportunities.
The High Commission’s statement highlighted the significance of the visit, stating that it would advance the outcomes of the recent UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Talks. Badenoch, along with the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Helen Grant, is scheduled to meet with federal government officials, state governors, as well as representatives from British and Nigerian business sectors and investors.
During these meetings, she aims to explore existing and potential investment and trade activities, spanning sectors such as education, infrastructure, and energy projects. The discussions hold the promise of creating thousands of jobs, signaling a commitment to fostering economic development and collaboration between the UK and Nigeria and as well strengthening the foundation for a robust and mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations.
