Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom to enhance trade between the two nations.
Shettima made this call during a courtesy visit by Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, at the presidential villa in Abuja.
Highlighting the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the UK, the vice president emphasised the need to establish a bi-national commission to further strengthen their ties.
Shettima said the commission can be instrumental in accelerating the business relationship between the two countries.
Recognizing the proximity between the two nations, Shettima underscored the importance of increasing trade volume, which currently represents less than five percent of Nigeria’s import and export activities. He expressed his commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Nigeria.
Regarding security, Shettima acknowledged the challenges faced by the nation and stressed the adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address them.
He stated, “We must strengthen our security architecture to negotiate from a stronger position with insurrectionists, Boko Haram terrorists, and kidnappers.”
Shettima also mentioned forthcoming socio-economic intervention programs and initiatives in the north-east region, aimed at empowering and socially including vulnerable groups, as part of the administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
Commendable reforms
The British High Commissioner, Mr. Richard Montgomery, praised Nigeria’s new administration for its proactive economic policies, particularly the ongoing reforms.
He lauded the long-standing relationship and cooperation between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, emphasising their fruitful collaboration in trade and investment, security and defense, digital technology, and education.
Mr. Montgomery expressed the readiness of the UK government to forge a close partnership with the Federal Government to drive comprehensive development across the nation.
RN
