President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday sought a deeper partnership between the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria as well as other African countries.
He urged the UK to invest more in diverse sectors to see the African continent attain more sustainable and broad-based prosperity.
A statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu spoke when he hosted UK’s Secretary of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly (MP), in his office.
Calling on the UK to commit more to win-win development partnerships for Nigeria and Africa, the President recalled the history of decades of deep symbiotic connection and economic ties between the continent and the UK.
He urged the UK government to work with Nigeria and other African countries to create a competitive, technologically advanced economy that would cater for the needs of all citizens.
“I am happy to know that the United Kingdom is ready to work with us in Nigeria and Africa. The United Kingdom must do more for the continent. We have not developed a competitive economy,” President Tinubu said.
Addressing the pressing issue of energy transition and the opportunity for economic growth in Africa and Nigeria, President Tinubu urged the Foreign Secretary to work out the imperatives of mobilising investment to pipe gas from Nigeria to Europe.
“The Western economic programme should be able to help Nigeria pipe our gas to Europe since gas is acceptable as alternative clean energy. You must help us with the finance and facilitate the investment we require,” the President told Cleverly.
On democracy, peace and stability in West Africa, President Tinubu noted that security would remain a challenge in the region as long as there are unstable governments.
He decried the situation in Niger, the Sahel region and the Horn of Africa where terrorists were finding comfort, asking the UK government to support Nigeria to secure West Africa.
“We need a dynamic partnership on security and economic development because we don’t want terrorists to make Africa and our sub-region their nest,” the President said.
Cleverly congratulated President Tinubu on his election victory and the steps he has taken so far to reform the economy.
The UK official saluted the President for taking bold and decisive actions on fuel subsidy removal and on multiple foreign exchange markets, which he said would bring development to the country, despite the current pains.
He told President Tinubu about his meeting in Lagos with entrepreneurs, technologists and young people in the creative sector, saying his home government remained a strategic long-term partner with Nigeria and Africa.
“I want to commend you for the decisions you have taken to reform your economy. Your economic reforms are bold and the actions taken have been decisive. Despite the initial pains, these decisions will lead to economic prosperity for Nigerians,” Cleverly said.
The UK Foreign Secretary also said he was in Nigeria to promote bilateral and economic partnership.
“I am keen on encouraging more UK investments into Nigeria. You took bold and important decisions so far that will reform your economy and open it more for foreign investments.
“Nigeria has a population of very young, educated and thoughtful people. With their energy and talents along with your resources, Nigeria can be a net exporter of energy and agricultural products. The UK will remain a strategic long-term and multi-decades partner of Nigeria and Africa,” he added.
Credit :The Nation
