‘To unlock opportunities’ — UK trade secretary visits Nigeria

The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the visit of Kemi Badenoch, UK secretary of state for business and trade.

In a post via its X account on Sunday, the commission said Badenoch’s visit is aimed at strengthening UK-Nigeria trade and investment partnerships.

She will meet with businesses and entrepreneurs.

“We are pleased to welcome Secretary of State for Business & Trade @KemiBadenoch to Nigeria,” the British High Commission said.

“During her visit, she will meet with businesses and entrepreneurs, tour projects & unlock opportunities to strengthen UK-Nigeria trade & investment partnerships.”

Commenting on her visit, Jonny Baxter, head of the UK Mission to Nigeria, the African country “is the UK’s 39th largest trading partner with a total trade figure of £7 billion in goods & services. We look forward to unlocking new opportunities through this visit”.

Also, Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said the country is one of the UK’s most important partners in Africa.

Montgomery said the UK is committed to helping Nigeria unlock new investment opportunities, supporting more UK and international investment through London — thereby, creating jobs in both countries.

“Recent big and bold reforms by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Central Bank are boosting optimism amongst international investors that the country is on the right path and are creating the conditions for growth,” Montgomery said.

Badenoch’s visit followed that of James Cleverly, foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, on August 2, 2023.

During his visit, Cleverly spoke about the British government’s plans to improve multilateral trade reforms to sustain growth in Nigeria.

Cleverly said President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unifying of exchange rates will encourage investment and help drive growth.