Boko Haram terrorists
The United Kingdom on Wednesday expressed worry over the security situation in Nigeria, attributing it to spill over from Sudan and Niger where jihadists and insurgents have been running riots.
The UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, described the situation as worrisome, but was quick to add that his home government was collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser as well as through investments in security infrastructure to reduce it.
He spoke at a media parley in Abuja on Wednesday and expressed concerns over cases of visa fraud in the country, stressing that the situation was connected to the recent cases of visa rejections.
The envoy advised visa applicants to provide the right supporting documents to get a chance of approval.
The United Kingdom, however, reiterated its commitment to fostering its economic and trade ties with Nigeria through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
According to the diplomat, the core mandate of the partnership covers areas such as education, agriculture, financial services, clean energy, digital technology, and the creative industry.
On the nation’s economy, Montgomery hailed the latest report of the World Bank that said Nigeria is on the path towards economic recovery, thus making it an investment hub for the United Kingdom.
He also commended the trade ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which he said currently stand at £7.2 billion.
While applauding the trade partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the British High Commissioner noted that exports of hydrocarbons from the UK to Nigeria had reduced, stressing that the boost given to local production remained commendable.
