The Nigerian Government seeks to deepen bilateral relations with British Government, particularly, in the area of security, agriculture and infrastructural development.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume made the disclosure when he received in audience the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, in Abuja, Nigeria
He recalled the age-long colonial relationship between UK and Nigeria and said that it has become necessary that both countries work together for the mutual benefit of both countries.
“We want to make a difference in the lives of our people. We are not after money, we are after infrastructure, we are after food security, and we are after energy. We believe with your support we should go further than this. We also have 9 nine mandate areas. Honestly, by the time you support us, it’s mutual, you will be surprised that the relationship will soar to greater heights.”
Delighted to have hosted a high powered delegation from the UK High Commission today! Productive discussions focused on strengthening Nigeria-UK ties and exploring areas of cooperation. Exciting opportunities ahead in trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange. pic.twitter.com/PYpyBkD9A8
— Senator Dr. George Akume (@SGFAkume) June 22, 2023
Having congratulated the British High Commissioner to Nigeria on his new posting, he called on the British Government to assist the Federal Government to curb Boko Haram insurgency, banditry and farmers-herders clashes as they did during Nigeria’s civil war.
Senator Akume also said that with the historical ties between the British Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria, he emphasised the need to deepen the bilateral relationship to support Nigeria in education and health, amongst others.
Speaking earlier, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery congratulated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also commended the present administration for taking bold reforms in repositioning the economy, which has placed the country on a pedestal of sustainable economic growth.
He said that the essence of their visit was to get acquainted with the key priority areas of the Federal Government to enable the UK government to tailor its support in line with its needs.
Montgomery noted that the UK Government, through the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office and Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn, will continue to collaborate with Nigeria with the ongoing programmes- the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Ministerial Retreat as well as the Community of Practice to Secretaries to the State Governments in the country.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria pledged to consolidate the gains of the existing bilateral relations and make further inroads into other areas to promote and stabilise Nigeria’s democracy.
