Kehinde Fajobi
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, marking his first official visit to Africa with a focus on strengthening economic ties and growth-focused diplomacy between the UK and African countries.
Lammy’s visit begins a five-month consultation aimed at reshaping UK-Africa relations to prioritise African voices and ambitions, according to a statement released by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos.
In Nigeria, Lammy plans to advocate for deeper trade and investment connections as part of a new approach he describes as respectful, long-term, and focused on mutual growth.
“Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25 per cent of the world’s population by 2050,” he said, highlighting Africa’s importance to global development.
“Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions, and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent.”
Lammy emphasised that this strategy, centred on growth, will anchor UK’s relationships in Nigeria and beyond.
“Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria and beyond. This will mean more jobs, more prosperity, and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike,” he stated.
While in Nigeria, Lammy is scheduled to meet with President Bola Tinubu, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
His agenda includes advancing the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, signed earlier this year to enhance trade and market access between the two nations, fostering job creation and prosperity in both countries.
In support of Nigeria’s economic reforms, Lammy also plans to announce a technical assistance package to aid the Nigerian Ministry of Finance in implementing its initiatives.