- the British envoy discussed opportunities for stronger economic cooperation
- She highlighted the UK-backed Manufacturing Africa programme, which is currently supporting Kwara-based firms
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever has completed a three-day official visit to Kwara State, reaffirming the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Nigerian states in areas including economic development, innovation, security and women’s empowerment.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the visit, which took place from May 11 to 13, included meetings with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the state’s First Lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq.
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Lever also visited the Ilorin Innovation Hub, held discussions with religious and civil society leaders, participated in a radio interview on Diamond 88.8 FM and paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
The trip followed the recent state visit of Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom in March 2026, during which both countries signed a £746 million ports agreement and expanded collaboration on economic growth and security matters.
During talks with Governor AbdulRazaq, the British envoy discussed opportunities for stronger economic cooperation and initiatives aimed at boosting investment and job creation in Kwara State.
She highlighted the UK-backed Manufacturing Africa programme, which is currently supporting Kwara-based firms, including Bespoke Design Concepts and Bacita Sugar Company, with technical assistance to attract investors and expand operations.
Lever also promoted the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which grants duty-free or reduced-tariff access for nearly 3,000 Nigerian products into the UK market.
She encouraged the state government to sensitise farmers, exporters and cooperatives on the opportunities available under the scheme, especially for products such as shea butter, cashew and sesame.
Her meeting with the First Lady focused on women’s inclusion in governance, the Special Seats Bill and efforts to combat violence against women and girls.
According to Lever, the UK has consistently supported the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum over the past four years through financial and technical assistance for campaigns against gender-based violence.
As part of the visit, she toured the Olufolake Safe Haven facility at the Stella Obasanjo Multi-Purpose Hall in Ilorin, which provides shelter and support for vulnerable children.
She also visited the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at Sobi Specialist Hospital, where officials briefed her on services available to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Lever said the engagements reflected the UK’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and improving access to justice and support systems for women and children.
Kwara State has gained attention for increasing women’s participation in governance, with women occupying more than half of cabinet positions under AbdulRazaq’s administration.
The state also recorded an increase in female representation in the House of Assembly, moving from no elected female lawmakers in 2019 to five by 2023.
In 2024, AbdulRazaq was recognised as a HeForShe Ambassador for his efforts towad gender inclusion.
At the Ilorin Innovation Hub, Lever interacted with young entrepreneurs and technology innovators, particularly women-led startups.
She announced plans for the UK to support the Hub’s participation in London Tech Week in June 2026 to help connect Kwara innovators with investors and technology networks in Britain.
The Deputy High Commissioner also met with the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, to discuss security developments and the UK’s continued support for institutional reforms and preventive security strategies in Nigeria.
Lever praised the Kwara State Government for its reform efforts, women’s inclusion policies and support for innovation, describing the state as an example of progressive leadership and development.
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