By Dare Akogun
The UK’s Minister for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, has commenced a three-day visit to Nigeria with the aim of strengthening the partnership between the UK and Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday, February 11, 2024, by Ndidiamaka Eze the Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer and Comms Lead for Prosperity and Economic Development at the British High Commission in Nigeria.
According to the statement “Badenoch’s visit follows the previous visit of the former Foreign Secretary to Nigeria in August 2023, as well as recent UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Talks.
“The purpose of her visit is to build on the ongoing efforts of both countries to enhance the trade relationship between the UK and Nigeria and to identify new investment opportunities.
“During her time in Nigeria, Minister Kemi Badenoch, along with Helen Grant, the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, will hold meetings with representatives from the Federal Government of Nigeria, State Governors, and leaders from British and Nigerian businesses and investors,” it stated.
The statement said the meetings will focus on exploring existing and potential investment and trade prospects across various sectors, including education, infrastructure, and energy projects, with the aim of generating employment opportunities.
“Minister Badenoch aims to reinforce the UK-Nigeria partnership, address trade and investment barriers, promote business growth between the two countries, and facilitate easier access to the City of London for international business, particularly from Nigeria,” it added.
The statement quoted British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, who emphasized the importance of Nigeria as a key partner for the UK in Africa.
He expressed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in attracting new investment and highlighted the recent reforms by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Central Bank as positive steps towards economic growth and attracting international investors.
