The Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru has discussed with a delegation of the United Kingdom government ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries, especially in the area of fighting insurgency
The discussion was held when the UK delegation led by Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans, Mr. James Heappey had a meeting with the Nigerian Defence Minister at the Headquarters Ministry of Defence, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Victoria Agba-atta, Badaru said “Britain has been supportive in ensuring the safety of Nigerian waterways… Security is a dynamic issue which has its own challenges.”
The Minister said that the Nigerian Military and British Military have to work together to combat the Boko Haram threat, stressing that the West needs to give more support to Nigeria as it has given to other nations.
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle said that Nigeria and the United Kingdom have had a good bilateral relationship.
Matawalle reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to ending insurgency and banditry in in the country.
He said “the both countries needed to work closely in the areas of capacity building, training of military personnel, technology transfer as well as provision of modern equipment to fight Boko Haram.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Kana said that Britain tops the list of Nigeria’s international friends, adding that Nigeria cherishes the relationship between the two countries.
The United Kingdom Minister for Armed Forces, Mr. James Heappey said that the purpose of their visit was to adjust and expand their support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria based on the needs and perception of the changing threats.
This is the first official courtesy visit to the Ministers since the assumption of office on Tuesday, 22nd August 2023.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
