President Bola Tinubu has called on the government of the United Kingdom to deepen its partnership with Nigeria and Africa by investing more across sectors to see the African continent attain more sustainable and broad-based prosperity.

Tinubu made the call during a meeting with the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

Calling on the UK to commit more to win-win development partnerships for Nigeria and Africa, the president recalled the history of decades of deep symbiotic connection and economic ties between the continent and the UK, adding that the UK government must work with Nigeria and other African countries to create a competitive and technologically advanced economy that will cater for the needs of all citizens.

“I am happy to know that the United Kingdom is ready to work with us in Nigeria and Africa. The United Kingdom must do more for the continent. We have not developed a competitive economy,” he said.

While addressing the pressing issue of energy transition and the opportunity for economic growth in Africa and Nigeria, President Tinubu charged the Foreign Secretary on the imperatives of the West and UK, particularly in mobilising investment to pipe gas from Nigeria to Europe.

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Tinubu added: “The Western economic programme should be able to help Nigeria pipe our gas to Europe since gas is acceptable as alternative clean energy. You must help us with the finance and facilitate the investment we require.”

On democracy, peace and stability in West Africa, President Tinubu noted that security would remain a challenge as long as there are unstable governments in the sub-region.

He further decried the situation in Niger Republic, the Sahel region and Horn of Africa where terrorists are finding comfort, asking the government of UK to support Nigeria to secure West Africa.

In his remarks, Cleverly congratulated the president on his election victory and the steps he has taken so far to reform the economy.

He hailed Tinubu for taking bold and decisive actions on fuel subsidy removal and on multiple foreign exchange markets which he said would bring development to the country in spite of the current pains.

He told President Tinubu about his meeting in Lagos with entrepreneurs, technologists and young people in the creative sector, saying his home government remains a strategic long-term partner of Nigeria and Africa.

The UK Foreign Secretary added that he was in Nigeria to promote bilateral and economic partnership.

He said: “Nigeria has a population of very young, educated and thoughtful people. With their energy and talents along with your resources, Nigeria can be a net exporter of energy and agricultural products.

“The UK will remain a strategic long-term and multi-decades partner of Nigeria and Africa.”

On the political situation in Republic of Niger, Cleverly offered his government’s support for the decision of ECOWAS and the leadership of President Tinubu in promoting democracy and stability.

“For us, our national interest is to see a peaceful and prosperous African continent because peace and security go hand in hand,” he stated.

The Star