A former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has commended Nigeria for its remarkable contributions to global development, noting that the country has even sent a “future prime minister in the form of Kemi Badenoch” to the United Kingdom.
Johnson made the remarks on Thursday at the 2025 Imo State Economic Summit held in Owerri, the state capital.
He highlighted that while the UK exports pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and other economic goods, Nigeria sends “so much in return,” including oil and gas, Nollywood films, outstanding doctors, nurses, technicians, and tech innovators.
“I will say nothing of those former colonies of France, but it’s wonderful; it’s absolutely wonderful that here in Nigeria, we are united, we have this huge blessing — ties of history and language and woven together constantly by the toing and froing of brilliant Nigerians to my country and back again, and British people are coming to Nigeria, and of course I’m proud, very proud,” he said.
“We’re very grateful and honoured. And we send you former United Kingdom prime ministers, and you send us future United Kingdom prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch, who comes from Nigeria and is doing better and better these days.
“And I think the greatest hope that we have, and not just the exports or the imports, is the things that we actually do together, the things that we do in partnership,” he added.
Johnson further noted Nigeria’s growing influence in the arts, sports, and entertainment industries, referencing a Nigerian singer who stole the show at the recent coronation of the UK’s king, as well as the global success of Nigerian footballers and artists.
He asserted that while Imo State has a promising future, Nigeria’s greatest days are still ahead.
Turning to the future of innovation, Johnson emphasized the transformative role of artificial intelligence, noting its massive demand for clean and sustainable energy. He praised Governor Hope Uzodimma’s initiatives in security, infrastructure, and renewable energy, encouraging British companies to seize emerging opportunities in the state and across Nigeria.
The summit drew high-profile global leaders, including President Bola Tinubu (represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima), Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai, and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, alongside state governors, Aliko Dangote, and former Afreximbank president Benedict Oramah.