United Kingdom To Support Nigeria With 67billion Naira Yearly

The United Kingdom (UK) has said it would support Nigeria with an annual development programme of £218 million (N67 billion), while contributing to the increasing prosperity at the heart of a thriving trade relationship worth £6.1 billion per year...


This was made known, yesterday, as the UK’s Minister for Africa, Grant Shapps, arrived in Abuja. The statement was made available by the Press and Public Affairs officer of the British High Commission, Joe Abuku.

It said the UK would be providing a comprehensive package of support to the country, including expanded military training and intelligence cooperation, anti-corruption capacity building and investigative support.

According to the statement, Mr Shapps restated his country’s commitment to support Nigeria’s stability and development.

He praised the UK’s close relationship with Nigeria and set out how the two countries would work together to increase prosperity, trade and security.

“The UK has a strong relationship with Nigeria and we will continue to promote vital investment, tackle corruption and create a safer and more prosperous future for the country. From a trade relationship worth over £6 billion every year to our military cooperation against Boko Haram, Nigeria is a country whose security and prosperity truly matter to the UK.

“With more than half of Nigeria currently living without electricity, it is vital that more people can access clean and reliable solar energy. Not only will this transform people’s everyday lives, it is a tremendous opportunity for growth. I am determined that Britain will build on its close relationship with Nigeria by sharing our skills, knowledge and expertise,” Shapps remarked.

The minister stated that he would also look into how the UK’s investment in Nigeria’s solar energy market could provide a clean and reliable answer to the country’s problem of access to energy.

During his visit, Shapps is expected to meet with ministers and senior government officials, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and the Kaduna and Lagos state governors.

His visit followed a series of meetings between the UK’s Prime Minister and President Buhari, most recently at the United Nations General Assembly and the UK Foreign Secretary’s attendance at the President’s inauguration in May 2015.