Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the need for the establishment of a Nigeria-UK Binational Commission as a means to foster a stronger relationship between the two countries. Shettima expressed his views during a recent visit from the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Recognizing the historical antecedents, business activities, and shared interests between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Shettima commended the UK government for its longstanding assistance and support to Nigeria. He expressed optimism for more robust business relations between the two nations.
“I urge you to facilitate the setting up of the Nigeria-UK Binational Commission. This commission can serve as the driving force behind accelerating the business relationship between our two countries,” Shettima stated.
Highlighting the proximity between Nigeria and the UK, Shettima emphasized the need to enhance trade ties: “We need to ramp up the trade between our two nations. Our trade currently represents less than five percent of the volume of our import and export, despite our close proximity.”
In his statement, Shettima also addressed the issue of the economy and assured that his administration would create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish in Nigeria. He further mentioned forthcoming socio-economic intervention programs to tackle ongoing security challenges posed by Boko Haram terrorists and kidnappers.
Responding to Shettima’s comments, Montgomery praised the proactive economic policies of the new administration. He emphasized the longstanding relationship and cooperation between Nigeria and the UK in sectors such as trade and investment, security and defense, digital technology, and education.
The British High Commissioner expressed the readiness of the UK government to closely collaborate with the Federal Government in achieving Nigeria’s overall development goals.
