Building Stronger Business Environment Crucial to Attracting FDIs, UK Tells Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Kingdom at the weekend revealed that it truly wanted to encourage the multinationals of British origin to invest into Nigeria, especially South-east.

The UK, however, observed that building a stronger and more conducive business environment “is crucial to luring British companies to the country.

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr Jonny Baxter made the remarks at the inaugural Enugu State Diaspora and Investment Roundtable held in the coal city on Friday.

The roundtable was attended by development partners, senior-level executives from public and private sector, and other domestic financial institutions.

Delivering his remarks at the roundtable, Baxter said: “My thanks to the Enugu State Government for putting together this timely gathering, which I hope will deepen investment and trade in the state. 

The UK wants to encourage UK companies to invest into the region. Building a stronger and more conducive business environments is crucial to this, and we look forward to working with the Enugu state government to do so.

“The UK’s new Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) harnesses the power of trade to help Nigeria, including Enugu State achieve its private sector-led economic transformation agenda. The UK is keen to maximise uptake of the DCTS.

“Crops such as cashew and plantain predominantly farmed in Enugu and other south eastern states could be among the products exported to the UK based on market demand in both Nigeria and the UK.”

Also on Thursday, Chevening Programme and Communications Officer, Boma Amieyeofori facilitated a workshop at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to teach participants how to apply for the UK’s fully-funded Chevening scholarship.

Amieyeofori said: “The Chevening scholarship seeks to provide a fully funded Master’s Degree scholarship for Nigerians with aspirations to deliver change for Nigeria.

“The scholarship has built an international community of people who are committed to working together to creating a better future. We do this by bringing together inspiring individuals from around the world and supporting them, through education, to achieve their goals.

“The Chevening application will open on September 12 for a period of eight weeks; and I encourage individuals who are passionate about driving a positive change whether on a local, or global scale to apply.”

During his visit to Enugu, Baxter also met private sector businesses from the Scholars Center for Commerce and Industry – SCCI, and former Director General, Southeast Governors Forum to discuss business opportunities for both the UK and Nigeria.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery had visited Enugu State between June 27 and 28 for high-level discussions with the state governor, key stakeholders, civil society, business and traditional leaders, in the state on how to attract investment, boost trade and create more economic opportunities.