The Federal Government has called on the United Kingdom to deepen its partnership with Nigeria and Africa by investing more across sectors to attain more sustainable and broad-based prosperity.
President Bola Tinubu made the call on Wednesday when he received the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly, in his office.
A statement from his media aide, Ajuri Ngilale, quoted Tinubu as calling on the UK government to commit more to win-win development partnerships for Nigeria and Africa and recalled the decades of deep symbiotic connection and economic ties between the continent and the UK.
He added 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.
“I am happy to know that the United Kingdom is ready to work with us in Nigeria and Africa. The United Kingdom must do more for the continent. We have not developed a competitive economy,” the President said.
On the pressing issue of energy transition and the opportunity for economic growth in Africa and Nigeria, Tinubu charged the Foreign Secretary on the imperatives of the West and UK in mobilising investment to pipe gas from Nigeria to Europe.
“The Western economic programme should be able to help Nigeria pipe our gas to Europe since gas is acceptable as alternative clean energy. You must help us with the finance and facilitate the investment we require.”
In his remarks, Cleverly congratulated the President on his election victory and the steps he has taken so far to reform the economy.
The Western economic programme should be able to help Nigeria pipe our gas to Europe since gas is acceptable as alternative clean energy. You must help us with the finance and facilitate the investment we require.
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 despite 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.
“I want to commend you for the decisions you have taken to reform your economy. Your economic reforms are bold, and the actions taken have been decisive. Despite the initial pains these decisions will lead to economic prosperity for Nigerians.”
The Foreign Secretary further said he was in Nigeria to promote bilateral and economic partnership.
“I am keen on encouraging more UK investments into Nigeria. You took bold and important decisions so far that will reform your economy and open it more for foreign investments.
Nigeria has a population of very young, educated, and thoughtful people. With their energy and talents along with your resources, Nigeria can be a net exporter of energy and agricultural products. The UK will remain a strategic long-term and multi-decades partner of Nigeria and Africa.”
