David Lammy, the UK’s foreign secretary, starts a historic trip to Nigeria, his first trip to Africa

David Lammy, the foreign secretary of the UK, has arrived in Nigeria to start a five-month meeting with African leaders to improve ties between the UK and Africa.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, has arrived in Nigeria. This is his first trip to Africa.

Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer and Communications Lead for Prosperity and Economic Development, signed a statement on Sunday saying, “The Foreign Secretary will announce the start of a five-month consultation process to make sure that African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the UK’s new approach to the continent.” This is part of the UK’s commitment to a new approach to Africa that works productively from Morocco to Madagascar. 

“The consultation will make sure that the UK’s relationships in Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership, taking into account the different needs and goals of 54 countries.”

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, said during his trip that Africa has a lot of room to grow and will have 25% of the world’s population by 2050.

We will build a freer, safer, and wealthier continent through partnerships that listen instead of tell, long-term growth instead of short-term fixes, and polite relationships. What do our friends and partners in Africa need? I want to know so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together.

“The main goal of this government is growth, and it will guide our relationships in Nigeria and beyond.” This will lead to more jobs, more wealth, and more chances for both Britons and Africans.

Through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, which was signed earlier this year, the Foreign Secretary is likely to push for more cooperation to help both countries grow. This relationship is the main way that the UK and Nigeria trade and get into each other’s markets. It is also an important part of the UK’s plan to grow. 

As part of his high-level talks with President Tinubu, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he will also push for more trade and climate cooperation between Nigeria and the UK.

The statement said, “Building on President Tinubu’s macro-economic reforms, the Foreign Secretary will announce a wide-ranging Technical Assistance package to the Nigerian Ministry of Finance. This will include help from the Bank of England, HMRC, and other British organizations to help modernize and broaden the Nigerian economy.”

The statement also said, “Encouraging reform across Nigeria will open up more business opportunities for British companies in the country’s growing economy, creating growth, jobs, and incomes for both Britons and Nigerians.”