UK helping to train Nigeria’s security agencies, says envoy

Iain Stewart, British parliamentarian and private parliamentary secretary to the secretary on international trade, says the UK government is helping with the training Nigerian security and “giving relevant assistance”.

He was speaking at a policy forum titled “Policy Roundtable on Business and Sustainable Development”, at the British Houses of Parliament, London, on Friday.

Nigeria has been facing serious security challenges, from insurgency in the north to militancy in the Niger Delta and kidnappings across the country.

Foreign investors are thought to be discouraged by the situation, but Stewart said the UK is working to help the country.

He said: “We understand the challenges of insecurity and infrastructure among others in Nigeria. That’s why the UK has renewed its dedication to assist in tackling these issues.

“The UK’s foreign minister (Boris Johnson) was in the country recently to see where more efforts need to be made. Our experts in security management have been active in giving training and relevant assistance.

“And we will continue to give encouragement to our businesses to look for opportunities that will help the two countries and deepen the capacities of Nigerians.”

John Howell, the British prime minister’s envoy on trade to Nigeria, also reiterated his country’s commitment to its trade relations with and development of Nigeria.

“Nigeria remains our good trade partner. And the UK government through this office and other relevant government agency like the DfID is committed to offering interventions and support that will enable Nigeria attain its true potential,” Howell said.

Meanwhile, three Nigerians in the diaspora who spoke at the event disagreed with Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), over his remarks at a senior executive course 39 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru near Jos, that Nigerians living abroad were not doing enough to revamp the Nigerian economy.

Lekan Fatodu said “as at 2015 the diaspora remittances to Nigeria was $21 billion”.

He said Emefiele should look at the “bigger picture” of rebuilding investor’s confidence, getting the monetary policy “really well” and making “good use” of the remarkable diaspora remittances into Nigeria.

Another speaker, Priscilla Nwikpo, said after several months of economic shocks, “this moment should be a great opportunity for the managers of the Nigerian economy to get the solution right… Nigerians home and away are yearning for inclusive growth”.

Kayode Salau said: “The Nigerians in diaspora who are toiling daily and are constantly sending money to Nigeria for different purposes and projects deserve commendation. We are actually the major facilitators of foreign investments, investors and key international partnerships. So Mr. Emefiele and his colleagues need to redouble efforts in building a stronger economy and creating an environment that is attractive and secure for investments.”