Tinubu seeks stronger economic, bilateral cooperation with UK

President Bola Tinubu has called on the government of the United Kingdom to deepen its partnership with Nigeria and Africa by investing across sectors to see the African continent attain more sustainable and broad-based prosperity.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale said the call was made during the visitation of the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon. James Cleverly MP on Wednesday. 

President Tinubu also called on the UK to commit more to win-win development partnerships for Nigeria and Africa. 

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The Nigerian leader recalled the history of decades of deep symbiotic connection and economic ties between the continent and the UK, adding that the UK government must work with Nigeria and the rest of Africa to create a competitive, technologically advanced economy that will cater to the needs of all citizens.

He expressed joy over the UK’s readiness to work with Nigeria and Africa, urging them to do more for the continent. 

“We have not developed a competitive economy,” the President said.

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Speaking about energy transition and the opportunity for economic growth in Africa and Nigeria, Tinubu charged the Foreign Secretary with the imperatives of the West and UK, in particular, in mobilising investment to pipe gas from Nigeria to Europe.

He said, “On democracy, peace, and stability in West Africa, President Tinubu noted that security would remain a challenge as long as there are unstable governments in the sub-region.”

The President used the opportunity to decry the situation in Niger, the Sahel region, and Horn of Africa where terrorists are finding comfort — calling for UK support to secure West Africa.

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“We need a dynamic partnership on security and economic development because we don’t want terrorists to make Africa and our sub-region their nest,” President Tinubu said.