UK Seeks Ways to Build Stronger Trade and Investment Ties With Nigeria

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, has said his country is seeking ways to build stronger trade and investment ties with Nigeria.
Baxter spoke in Enugu State when he attended the recent inaugural edition of the state’s Diaspora and Investment Roundtable, hosted by the Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah.

The stakeholder roundtable was an opportunity for high-level discussions on how to advance viable investment, boost trade and create more economic opportunities in the state.
Delivering the opening remarks and highlighting the UK’s new trade scheme, 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 environment 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 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 southeastern states, could be among the products exported to the UK based on market demand in both Nigeria and the UK.”
The Enugu State Investment Roundtable was attended by development partners, senior-level executives from public and private sector, and other domestic financial institutions.

Also in Enugu, Chevening Programme 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.
Speaking during the workshop, Boma 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 create a better future. We do this by bringing together inspiring individuals from around the world and supporting them, through education, to achieve their goals.”
During his visit to Enugu State, the Deputy High Commissioner, Baxter also met private sector businesses from the Scholars Center for Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and former Director General, South-east Governors Forum to discuss business opportunities for both the UK and Nigeria.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, was in June 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.
The UK through the Department for Business and Trade is positioned to provide access to UK expertise and investment partners across priority sectors of the state.