Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and strengthening their longstanding strategic partnership.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known during a telephone conversation with the UK Minister of State for International Development and Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ms Kirsty McNeill, on September 9, 2026.
In a statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Olufemi Adeniyi, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated McNeill on her new ministerial appointment, expressing confidence that her experience would contribute to further strengthening the steadily growing relations between Nigeria and the UK.
The Minister underscored the strategic importance of Nigeria-UK relations, noting that bilateral cooperation had gained renewed momentum following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026.
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She called for greater UK support for Nigerian businesses seeking access to the British market, while stressing the need to reduce regulatory barriers to trade and investment between both countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also appealed for the speedy processing of student visas for Nigerians seeking to study in the UK, describing education and capacity building as important areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
The Foreign Affairs Minister commended the robust Nigeria-UK security and defence partnership, urging continued British support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, cybercrime, illicit finance and other transnational threats.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed her readiness to work closely with McNeill to further strengthen bilateral engagement for the mutual benefit of Nigeria, the UK and their peoples.
For her part, McNeill appreciated Odumegwu-Ojukwu and acknowledged prospects for improved cooperation between the two countries.
She assured the Minister of her support and cooperation in advancing Nigeria-UK relations.
Both Ministers discussed elections into international organisations.
“Reciprocal arrangements between candidates of the two countries were considered and both sides agreed to sustain cooperation and mutual understanding in this area. The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both Ministers reaffirming their unwavering commitment to working together in advancing Nigeria-UK relations.” The Spokesperson added.
