Bola Tinubu, the President, has urged the United Kingdom government to increase its investment across various sectors in Nigeria and Africa to strengthen their partnership.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by Ajuri Ngelale, a media aide to the president, Tinubu expressed his views during a meeting with James Cleverly, the UK foreign secretary, in his office.
During discussions on energy transition and economic growth in Africa and Nigeria, Tinubu emphasized to Cleverly the importance of the West, particularly the UK, in securing investment for the transportation of 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,” Ngelale quoted Tinubu as saying.
According to Tinubu, it is essential for the UK government to collaborate with Nigeria and other African nations to establish a competitive, technologically advanced economy that can meet the requirements of all the 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,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu acknowledged that maintaining democracy, peace, and stability in West Africa is a difficult task, especially when there are governments in the sub-region that are not stable. As a result, security will continue to be a challenge.
He used the opportunity of the visit to decry the situation in Niger, the Sahel region and Horn of Africa where terrorists are finding comfort.
He asked the government of UK 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,” Tinubu told the UK foreign secretary.
Cleverly applauded Tinubu for his courageous and resolute actions regarding the elimination of fuel subsidies and the establishment of multiple foreign exchange markets. He believes that these actions will ultimately lead to the development of the country, despite the current hardships.
He informed Tinubu about his recent meeting in Lagos with entrepreneurs, technologists, and creative young individuals, emphasizing the commitment of his home government to being a long-term strategic partner for Nigeria and Africa.
Cleverly 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,” he said.
“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.”
Regarding the political situation in the Republic of Niger, Cleverly expressed his government’s endorsement of ECOWAS’s decision and Tinubu’s leadership in promoting democracy and stability.
“For us, our national interest is to see a peaceful and prosperous African continent because peace and security go hand in hand,” he said.
