Britain has strong partnership with Nigeria – Deputy High Commissioner

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Jonny Baxter, has said that the United Kingdom values its strong partnership with Nigeria, describing it as a relationship built on shared interests, values and experiences.

Mr Baxter stated this on Wednesday at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State, when he visited the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, who is on a two-day official visit to Abia State, said the partnership between Britain and Nigeria extends beyond diplomatic relations to economic cooperation, trade, investment, technology and development initiatives.

He described power generation and supply challenges as major constraints to Nigeria’s economic development.

He noted that the United Kingdom is particularly interested in supporting initiatives that could help Abia State and other parts of the country realise their economic potential.

“The United Kingdom has a really strong partnership with Nigeria. It is a partnership based on so many shared interests and values and shared experiences in so much depth, and it is a partnership that, on the UK side, we value massively,” he said.

Baxter supported the Abia State Government’s efforts to retain its skilled workers rather than have them travel abroad in search of jobs, adding that Nigerians who migrate should also be informed about the realities they may encounter abroad.

Receiving the British Deputy High Commissioner, Governor Otti said his administration was open to partnerships with Britain.