UK Minister Visits Nigeria to Support Businesses, Strengthen Economic Partnership

By Derrick Bangura.

Vicky Ford, the UK’s Minister for Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, will visit Nigeria for the first time this week, promising to reveal millions of pounds in new UK investments.

Her visit comes after the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Dialogue in London earlier this month, during which the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in a number of areas, including military cooperation, counter-terrorism, civilian policing, human rights protection, and acknowledging the critical role of women in achieving long-term peace.
The visit would further be continuing efforts by both nations to expand on the UK-Nigeria partnership and reinforce strong security, anti-corruption, and economic links, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission in Abuja on Sunday.

Minister Vicky Ford will engage with the Nigerian federal government, state governors, church leaders, civil society leaders, and business leaders while in Nigeria.

“The Minister looks forward to announcing millions of pounds of additional UK investments, including support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises,” the statement continued. The Minister will sign an anti-corruption cooperation agreement, which will deepen the UK-Nigeria relationship in this area.
“Minister Ford will meet with civil society, government, the media, and political leaders to discuss a variety of issues, including electoral reform, climate change following COP26, and human rights.” In addition, the minister would push efforts in North-East Nigeria to educate girls, empower women, eradicate gender-based violence, and address humanitarian needs.”

“I am looking forward to being in Nigeria for the first time,” Ford, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean), said ahead of her travel. Nigeria is a cherished ally and partner of the United Kingdom, with whom we aim to further our ties in areas such as commerce, development, economics, environmental protection, and security.”
In September 2021, Ford was named Minister for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, then in December 2021, he was named Minister for Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

From February 2020 to September 2021, she was the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families in the Department for Education. In 2017, she was elected as the Conservative MP for Chelmsford for the first time.