UK government agrees wide-ranging development plan with Nigeria

13 Oct 15

The British government has confirmed a £218m annual development programme for Nigeria as part of plans to boost the relationship between the two countries in areas including trade, security and development.

Announcing the funding in a visit to the country, UK minister for Africa Grant Shapps said the deal would include expanded military training, and intelligence cooperation.

The UK will also assist Nigeria on anti-corruption capacity building and investigative support, and an annual development programme worth £218m.

According to the UK Department for International Development, the funding will also help boost the trade relationship between the two nations, worth £6.1bn a year.

“The UK has a strong relationship with Nigeria and we will continue to promote vital investment, tackle corruption and create a safer and more prosperous future for the country,” Shapps said.

From a trade relationship worth over £6bn annually, he said, the UK’s military cooperation against Boko Haram, Nigeria is a country whose security and prosperity truly matters to the UK.

Shapps will also see how the UK’s investment in Nigeria’s solar energy market can provide a clean and reliable answer to the country’s problem of energy access.

“With more than half of Nigeria currently living without electricity, it is vital that more people can access clean and reliable solar energy,” he continued.

“Not only will this transform people’s everyday lives, it is a tremendous opportunity for growth.”

In his visit to the country, Shapps will meet with ministers and senior government officials, including vice president Yemi Osibajo, national security adviser Babagana Monguno, and the Kaduna and Lagos State governors to discuss issues of common interest.

  • Judith Ugwumadu
    Judith Ugwumadu

    Judith writes about public finance, public services and economics across Public Finance International and Public Finance. She previously undertook reporting stints at Financial Adviser, Global Security Finance and The Sunday Express.

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