Nigeria on Tuesday signalled its readiness to deepen economic, security and diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom following the emergence of the Right Honourable Andy Burnham as the country’s new Prime Minister, describing his assumption of office as an opportunity to strengthen one of Africa’s most strategic bilateral partnerships.
The Federal Government, in a congratulatory message delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, welcomed the peaceful democratic transition in the United Kingdom and expressed confidence that Burnham’s administration would open a new chapter of cooperation between Abuja and London.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the British people and institutions for what she described as their enduring commitment to constitutional democracy, saying the orderly transfer of power further reinforced the UK’s democratic credentials.
She noted that Burnham was taking office at a critical period marked by economic pressures and global uncertainties, expressing optimism that his plans for economic renewal, decentralisation of governance and tackling the cost-of-living crisis would strengthen the United Kingdom and improve the lives of its citizens.
“Nigeria and the United Kingdom share deep historical ties, robust people-to-people connections, and a strong partnership across trade, investment, security, education and cultural exchange,” she said.
She stressed that both countries, as members of the Commonwealth, remained committed to advancing bilateral relations while working together on shared global priorities, including climate change, sustainable development, peace and security in Africa and reforms of multilateral institutions.
The minister said the Federal Government looks forward to working closely with Burnham and his administration to consolidate existing areas of cooperation and identify new opportunities capable of delivering tangible economic and strategic benefits to both nations.
The message comes as Nigeria seeks to expand foreign investment, strengthen security cooperation and diversify international partnerships amid ongoing economic reforms at home.
Britain remains one of Nigeria’s most important diplomatic and economic partners. The relationship, which dates back to Nigeria’s colonial history and independence in 1960, has evolved into a broad strategic partnership encompassing trade, defence, intelligence sharing, migration, education, healthcare, energy and climate cooperation.
The United Kingdom is home to one of the largest Nigerian diaspora communities in the world, with remittances from Nigerians living in Britain contributing significantly to household incomes and the Nigerian economy.
Also, British companies maintain substantial investments across Nigeria’s financial services, oil and gas, manufacturing, telecommunications and consumer sectors.
