By Favour Nnabugwu
THE United Kingdom, UK, Minister for Exports and Minister for Equalities, Mike Freer MP, will visit Nigeria soon to tighten up trade and economic ties between the two countries.
The visit is a follow-up of the seventh UK and Nigeria Economic Development Forum which was held in April, 2022 and was hosted by the UK’s Minister of State for Trade Policy, Penny Mordaunt in London.
Minister Freer’s visit to Nigeria will include meetings with government officials and leading business representatives to discuss opportunities for UK Export Finance (UKEF) to help facilitate infrastructure development projects as well as explore the growing commercial opportunities in key sectors, including renewable energy, financial services, manufacturing, technology, security, infrastructure, and the creatives.
During his trip, Minister Freer will visit the Apapa Port, Nigeria’s largest and busiest port, to learn more about the challenges and opportunities to support trade facilitation between the UK and Nigeria.
The visit will also include a meeting and tour of Eko Atlantic, Nigeria’s first Green City, to explore ways in which the UK can help support Nigeria’s transition to clean energy.
While in Lagos, the Minister will visit the UK pavilion at the Securex West Africa Conference, Africa’s largest exhibition for security, fire, and safety industry professionals, where he will meet with leading British business representatives showcasing their innovative cyber security solutions.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Freer said: “I am delighted to be here in Nigeria to strengthen our economic ties and explore ways in which we can stimulate and increase trade between our two nations.
“As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria has huge commercial opportunities for UK businesses to take hold of. Together with our partners in Nigeria, we want to unlock the full potential of our bilateral partnership to support Nigeria’s growing economy and deliver inclusive prosperity.”
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones OBE: “We are pleased to welcome Minister Freer to Nigeria to showcase the growing commercial opportunities available in sectors such as renewable energy and infrastructure.
“Nigeria is a vital trading partner for the UK and we are committed to working more closely together to ensure trade and investments in Nigeria are sustainable and inclusive using the UK’s world-leading innovation and technology.”
Bilateral trade between the UK and Nigeria reached £3.5 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2021, an increase of 1.9%.
