The United Kingdom’s Minister for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, has embarked on a three-day visit to Nigeria to enhance the trade relationship between the UK and Nigeria and foster new investment prospects.
Badenoch’s visit follows the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Talks and a previous visit by the former Foreign Secretary to Nigeria in August 2023.
According to a statement from Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer, Communications Lead for Prosperity and Economic Development at the British High Commission in Abuja, Badenoch, along with the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Helen Grant, will engage with Federal Government officials, state governors, and leaders from both British and Nigerian business communities.
During these meetings, the statement outlined that Badenoch will explore existing and potential investment and trade opportunities across various sectors, including education, infrastructure, and energy, to generate employment opportunities.
Additionally, Badenoch aims to reinforce the UK-Nigeria partnership, eliminate trade and investment barriers, promote business growth between the two nations, and enhance accessibility to the City of London’s facilitative role for international business, particularly for Nigeria.
Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, emphasized Nigeria’s significance as one of the UK’s key partners in Africa, affirming the commitment to supporting Nigeria in seizing new investment opportunities and fostering economic growth.
Montgomery highlighted recent reforms by the Nigerian Federal Government and the Central Bank, which have garnered optimism among international investors and set the stage for sustained growth and development in the country.