UK envoy to Nigeria pledges to intensify moves to enhance trade between both nations

BRITAIN'S high commissioner to Nigeria Dr Richard Montgomery said that he will step up efforts to enhance trade and investment between the two nations as it is vital if both countries want to grow their economies.

Speaking while paying a courtesy call to the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (Nidcom) in Abuja, Dr Montgomery pledged more collaboration in this area. He further stated that stated the UK-Africa Summit scheduled to hold in May in the City of London, is a strategic opportunity to galvanise trade and investment  for both countries and the African continent at large.

Dr Montgomery commended Nidcom for initiating programmes such as the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit aimed at wooing investors. He was received by the Nidcom chair Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who said she welcomed collaboration with the British high commission and reiterated Nigeria's commitment to continue to enhance engagement with the diaspora.

She also underscored the imperatives of cultural exchanges, advocating the revival of the Cultural Road Show initially slated for 2020 but deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Outlining Nidcom's activities and programmes, Hon Dabiri-Erewa seized the opportunity to emphasise the importance of  comprehensive sensitisation and awareness for Nigerians planning to migrate to the UK.

Hon Dabiri-Erewa said: "We can't stop migration but as a government, we will create an enabling environment. Nigeria and the UK government should have an memorandum of understanding, particularly on migration of health workers."

Also, Hon Dabiri-Erewa expressed optimism ahead of the UK- Africa Investment Summit in London and the role of the Nigerians in the UK in playing a catalytic role in bolstering partnerships between the UK, Nigeria and the African continent. President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the summit in the UK in May.