Uk Minister Launches 3-Day Visit To Strengthen Partnership

UK Minister for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch has commenced a three-day visit to Nigeria aimed at deepening the partnership between the UK and Nigeria. 

The visit, disclosed in a statement by Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer, Ndidiamaka Eze seeks to advance ongoing efforts to enhance the trade relationship between the two nations and unlock new investment opportunities.

During her visit, Badenoch, along with the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Helen Grant, will engage in meetings with the Federal Government of Nigeria, State Governors, as well as British and Nigerian business leaders and investors. 

The discussions with the minister aim to explore existing and potential investment and trade opportunities spanning education, infrastructure, and energy projects, with the potential to generate thousands of jobs.

Commenting on the significance of the visit, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, emphasized Nigeria's importance as one of the UK's key partners in Africa. 

He expressed the commitment to support Nigeria in leveraging new investment opportunities, facilitating more UK and international investments through the City of London, and ultimately fostering job creation in both nations. 

Montgomery also lauded recent reforms by the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Central Bank, which have spurred optimism among international investors and set the stage for economic growth.

Appointed Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade on February 7, 2023, Badenoch also holds the positions of Secretary of State for International Trade, President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities for the Equality Hub, as of September 6, 2022, and October 25, 2022, respectively.

The statement highlights Badenoch's objectives to reinforce the UK-Nigeria partnership, eliminate trade and investment barriers, foster business growth between the two countries, and enhance the accessibility of the City of London as a hub for international business, particularly for Nigeria.