UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy launches initiative to strengthen economic ties with Nigeria

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arrived in Nigeria on Sunday for his inaugural official visit to Africa. His trip signals a renewed commitment to fostering economic collaboration and prioritizing growth-centered diplomacy between the UK and African nations.

Lammy’s visit kicks off a five-month consultation process aimed at reshaping UK-Africa relations to elevate African voices and ambitions. In a statement released by Ndidiamaka Eze, the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, the focus is clear: building deeper trade and investment ties that prioritize long-term growth.

“Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25 percent of the world’s population by 2050,” Lammy emphasized. “Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions, and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent.”

During his visit, Lammy is scheduled to meet with key Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Central to his agenda is the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, signed earlier this year, which aims to expand trade and market access between the two nations, fostering jobs and economic prosperity for both British and Nigerian citizens.

To further demonstrate the UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic reforms, Lammy will introduce a technical assistance package to support the Nigerian Ministry of Finance. As Lammy noted, “Growth is the core mission of this government and will underpin our relationships in Nigeria and beyond,” reflecting a long-term vision for shared prosperity.