13th October, 2015
UK’s Minister for Africa, Grant Shapps, has pledged his country’s resolve to support Nigeria’s stability and development.
A statement issued by Mr Joe Abuku, a spokesman for the British High Commission in Abuja, said Shapps spoke at the start of his first visit to the country.
The statement said Shapps, on his arrival in Abuja, praised the UK’s close relationship with Nigeria and set out how the two countries would work together to increase prosperity, trade and security.
“During his visit, Shapps will 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.
“He will also see how the UK’s investment in Nigeria’s solar energy market can provide a clean and reliable answer to the country’s problem of energy access,” it said.
The statement quoted Shapps as saying that the UK would continue to support Nigeria to promote prosperity 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 six billion Euros 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 Nigerians 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,” the statement further quoted Shapps as saying.
The statement said the UK was providing a comprehensive package of support to Nigeria, including expanded military training and intelligence cooperation, anti-corruption capacity building and investigative support.
Other forms of support, it said, are an annual development programme worth 218 million Euros which would contribute to increasing prosperity at the heart of a thriving trade relationship worth 6.1 billion Euros per year.
The statement said Shapps’ visit followed series of meetings between the UK’s Prime Minister and President Muhammadu Buhari at the UN General Assembly and the UK Foreign Secretary’s attendance at the president’s inauguration in May 2015.