Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, has commended and described the British legal and financial system as the basis for confidence and business engagement with Nigeria and other African countries.
The Governor stated this during the “Unlock Africa Project” at the United Kingdom Parliamentarians and Business Investors Forum of African Nation States in Westminster, London.
A statement by the spokesperson to the Governor, Mrs Noel Berje, on Wednesday, mentioned that the Governor along side other Speakers, described the Project as the best way forward, while commending the initiative.
They expressed delight over the renewed business and commercial relationship that has hitherto eroded over time between the United Kingdom and Africa.
He recalled that, years ago, the gradual disappearance of British investments in Africa necessitated the continent to look elsewhere, especially to the Asians, for trade and investment opportunities and partnership.
“I am happy that the Unlock Africa Summit has provided the leeway to reverse the trend.
“Hopefully, the relationship between the UK, Niger State, Nigeria or Africa at large will improve and wax stronger in the coming years.
“I am delighted to be here, I am elated at the historical turn of events. I see great potentials, great opportunities and looking forward to a better, robust, mutually beneficial trade and investment cooperation”, he added.
Earlier, Chairman of Africa House London, Andrew Boff, while giving an overview of the Unlock Africa Project, explained that there are Multinational companies involved in the UK-Africa trade space, adding that the project will creat direct trade for sustainable wealth development between the UK and African countries.
One of the Guest Speakers and sponsor/host of the event, RT. Hon Sir Duncan Smith (MP), said the forum allows the UK and Africa businesses trade more effectively with each other, provide support, information and dedicate resources to ease of access to business partners and mitigate potential trading risks.
Other Speakers, including Paliamentry Under Secretary of State, Paul Scully (MP) and Akinsowon Dawodu, Citi Bank MD, and Cluster Heads of Sub Saharan Africa, commended the initiative of the UK government in making a U-turn in the investment drive with Africa as its leading partner, noting that great result will be achieved in the AU States.
