UK to support Nigeria with N67bn yearly

The ​United Kingdom (UK) has pledged to support Nigeria’s effort towards ensuring stability and development with a commitment worth £218 million (N67 billion).

The country’s minister for Africa, Grant Shapps, said on arrival in Abuja on his maiden visit to Nigeria that the two countries would work together to increase the nation’s prosperity in the areas of trade and security.

He said the UK government would provide a comprehensive package of support to Nigeria, by expanding military training and intelligence cooperation.

According to him, the UK would also assist Nigeria on anti-corruption capacity building and investigative support, and an annual development programme worth £218 million (about N67 billion).

He said the country would also contribute to the increasing prosperity at the heart of a thriving trade relationship worth £6.1 billion per year (about N1.8 trillion).

He praised the UK’s close relationship with Nigeria and set out how the two countries would work together to increase prosperity, trade and security.

“The UK has a strong relationship with Nigeria and we will continue to promote vital investment, tackle corruption and create a safer and more prosperous future for the country. From a trade relationship worth over £6 billion every year to our military cooperation against Boko Haram, Nigeria is a country whose security and prosperity truly matter to the UK.

“With more than half of Nigeria currently living without electricity, it is vital that more people can access clean and reliable solar energy. Not only will this transform people’s everyday lives, it is a tremendous opportunity for growth. I am determined that Britain will build on its close relationship with Nigeria by sharing our skills, knowledge and expertise,” Shapps remarked.

The minister stated that he would also look into how the UK’s investment in Nigeria’s solar energy market could provide a clean and reliable answer to the country’s problem of access to energy.

During his visit, Shapps is expected to meet with ministers and senior government officials, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and the Kaduna and Lagos state governors.

His visit follows a series of meetings between the UK’s Prime Minister and President Muhammadu Buhari, most recently at the United Nations General Assembly, and the UK Foreign Secretary’s attendance at the president’s inauguration in May 2015.