UK foreign secretary encourages more British investment in Nigeria

Boris Johnson, UK foreign secretary, has called for an intensification of trade between Britain and Nigeria.

Speaking during his visit to the most populous African country, Johnson emphasised the close friendship between both countries.

He expressed delight that British businesses were thriving in Nigeria, saying he wants to see more Nigerian companies succeeding in his country.

Johnson visited Nigerian Guinness brewery, majority owned by Diageo, which imports all of its barley from the UK and exports Guinness Extra across the world.

“Nigeria is a country of huge promise and big ambitions. British businesses such as Diageo and Unilever are thriving here and I want to see even more British companies succeeding in Nigeria, and more Nigerian companies in Britain,” he said.

“The potential of Nigeria’s markets, people and natural resources is enormous and helping to secure a prosperous future for our two countries is a key part of our Commonwealth heads of government meeting next year.”

During his trip to Abuja, Johnson dedicated a new Commonwealth war memorial at the National Military Cemetery.

He recognised the sacrifice of thousands of Nigerian troops in the First and Second World Wars.

Johnson highlighted British military support for Nigerian efforts to protect international shipping in the Gulf of Guinea, now one of the most dangerous areas in the world for piracy.

“Our military links are close and longstanding. I am honoured to have dedicated the new Commonwealth war memorial to the memory of the thousands of Nigerians who fought side-by-side with Britain in the first and second World Wars,” he said.

“And today, British military training is helping Nigeria to take on Boko Haram and to fight back against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. This close military cooperation is the cornerstone of our joint efforts to defeat terror and to create the conditions for peace, stability and prosperity.”

He also met British service personnel, including Royal Marines, from the resident British military advisory and training team who in the last 12 months have trained more than 300 Nigerian Naval personnel, including members of the Nigerian special boat service.

Johnson also held high-level talks with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and urged the Nigerian government to fulfil its responsibilities in the fight against Boko Haram.