On Monday in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening partnership agreements with the United Kingdom in areas that directly impact citizens’ livelihoods, such as arts, culture, trade, and security.
The President made these remarks while receiving the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon. David Lammy, at the State House.
President Tinubu expressed support for the partnership’s growth.
“I am pleased that Nigeria is your first stop. We share a long history, and the challenge before us now is to promote unity and inclusivity. Britain and Nigeria have always valued this relationship,” he said, according to a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu urged the United Kingdom to deepen its engagement with Africa by focusing on conflicts affecting nations like Sudan, particularly regarding humanitarian issues.
“We are facing security challenges in West Africa and have been receiving displaced persons, some from Mali and Burkina Faso. We are doing our best to restore peace.
“We urge Britain to consider issues in African countries such as Sudan, alongside other concerns like Ukraine. Humanity calls for attention to these issues, and we are ready to collaborate with you.
“Britain should do more to promote peace and stability in Africa,” he added.
The President assured the Foreign Secretary that Nigeria’s economic reforms are forward-looking and aimed at long-term economic growth.
The President also expressed gratitude to King Charles III for his warm reception at Buckingham Palace during his recent visit to London.
Foreign Secretary Lammy explained that he was in Nigeria to initiate discussions on strengthening relations between the UK, Nigeria, and Africa. He noted that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is deeply invested in the continent’s growth and development, particularly in building new partnerships to address emerging challenges.
Lammy highlighted that former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have been close friends of Africa.
“It is truly wonderful to be here in Nigeria, especially with you in person.
“Our nations have strong ties built over many years. The Commonwealth has fostered shared values and vibrant connections across our countries.
“Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is committed to enhancing our relations. Economic growth, the foundation of peace and security, is central to this aim, and I am here in that spirit,” he added.
Commenting on Nigeria’s economic reforms, Lammy said: “Your macroeconomic performance is essential to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and security, and it clearly has a significant impact on investor confidence.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, added that agreements signed with the UK included growth and employment, enhanced security, migration and home affairs, strengthened collaboration on modernised partnerships, and enhanced people-to-people connections.
He noted that Nigeria and the UK had also signed a trade and investment agreement earlier this year.