Focus More On African Security, Tinubu Tells UK Foreign Secretary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening partnership agreements with the United Kingdom in key sectors affecting citizens’ lives, including trade, security, and culture.

This pledge came as he received the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon. David Lammy, at the State House on Monday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that President Tinubu, in a statement shared by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized the importance of reinforcing ties that promote growth and stability in both nations.

“I am happy that Nigeria is your first port of call,” Tinubu remarked. “We have a long, shared history with the United Kingdom.

“The challenge now is to deepen that relationship by promoting unity and inclusivity.”

Tinubu urged the United Kingdom to increase its focus on African conflicts, especially in regions facing humanitarian crises.

Highlighting the influx of displaced persons into Nigeria from conflict zones in Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Republic of Sudan, he noted the ongoing security challenges in West Africa.

“We are doing our best to bring peace, but we also need international support. I believe humanity calls for greater attention to these issues beyond Ukraine,” the President said, urging the UK to contribute to regional stability.

The Nigerian President also updated the Foreign Secretary on Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, describing them as “progressive steps geared toward long-term economic stimulation.”

He affirmed that these policies would build resilience and bolster trade partnerships.

During the meeting, President Tinubu conveyed his gratitude to King Charles III for the warm reception during his recent visit to Buckingham Palace, underscoring the continued goodwill between the two nations.

The visit marks a significant step in reinforcing UK-Nigeria ties, with Tinubu advocating for collaborative efforts to address shared challenges and foster sustainable development.

Foreign Secretary Lammy said he was in Nigeria to begin consultations on improving relations between both countries and Africa.

He explained that the Prime Minister, Keir Stammer, had expressed deep interest in the continent’s growth and development, and new partnerships, particularly in tackling new challenges, were needed.

The Foreign Secretary said former Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, were close friends of the continent.

“It is wonderful, truly wonderful to be here in Nigeria, especially with you in person.

“Our countries have the strongest relationships built over many years. Shared values in our history by the Commonwealth, which has been incredibly strong, dynamic and vibrant across our countries.

“The Prime Minister Keir Stammer’s government hopes to see and ensure changes in our relations. He is committed to economic growth, and I have come in that spirit. Of course, economic growth is the bedrock of peace and security,’’ the Foreign Secretary added.

On Nigeria’s economic reforms, Lammy said: “Your macro-economic performance is important to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and security and at any time clearly will make a difference in investor confidence in the economy.’’

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar said that agreements signed with the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary included growth and jobs, enhanced security, migration and home affairs, strengthening collaboration on modernised partnerships, and enhanced people-to-people links.

He said Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed an agreement on trade and investment earlier in the year.