British Minister Visits Nigeria

• UK humanitarian aid in N’East tops agenda

Jaiyeola Andrews in Abuja

United Kingdom (UK) Minister for International Development, Nick Hurd, has arrived in Nigeria on his first visit to the country.

During his stay in Nigeria, Hurd will focus on Britain’s assistance for the humanitarian situation in the North-east, as well the UK’s support for increasing the use of solar energy.

In a statement by the Head of Communications, British High Commission in Nigeria, Edward Dunn, the minister will also participate in a range of discussions with the federal government to emphasise the importance of good governance and accountability in ensuring poverty reduction.

“Hurd will use part of his visit to focus on the humanitarian situation in the North-east and will explore what more can be done to protect civilians affected by conflict with Boko Haram.

“He will also meet with the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign at the end of their Global Week of Action.

“Over the course of the visit, the minister will also meet with industry representatives and business leaders to discuss the potential for large-scale business development in Nigeria, as well as innovative work on recycling and waste management that can improve the lives of poorer citizens,” the statement said.

It added that the Hurd will view projects to witness the support the UK is giving to the development of Nigeria’s rapidly growing solar energy market.

“This forms part of the UK’s Energy Africa campaign, which aims to light up the African continent quickly without resorting to technology with high-emissions,” the statement noted.