Britain has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening and improving bilateral relations with Nigeria in the areas of health, education, and security.
Dr Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria disclosed this at his residence in Abuja during the celebration of the 75th Birthday of King Charles III of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
According to Montgomery, Nigeria and the UK have exceptionally strong people-to-people links with a huge Nigerian diaspora population in the UK just as there’s a very big UK diaspora population in Nigeria with mutual interests in the creative arts, sports, and education.
“Nigeria really matters to the UK. We share history, We share interests in defense and security, trade and investment, and our justice and home affairs.
“We’ve worked together on development/cooperation, on health, education, livelihoods, and government effectiveness.
“We share our views and negotiate many foreign policy challenges and in many international organizations.
“And as shown by four ministerial visits during my first six months as high commissioner, we assure you that the UK stands ready to work in partnership with Nigeria, in all these areas of cooperation and more in the spirit of mutual respect.
“Our two countries also have exceptionally strong people-to-people links on education on the creative arts or sports and through the large UK and Nigeria industries in our country.
“So we’ve got a really strong relationship and it’s my job as British High Commissioner to build and strengthen it,” he added.
Montgomery also urged all Nigerian citizens to stay strong, especially with the pressures, particularly given the difficult global economy and inflation.
“I know that people are hurting at the moment. Inflation is high, but I want to stress that we need to believe that the new administration is making some big, bold, and necessary reforms.
“This is because if Nigeria successfully implements its reforms there will be a higher growth path and everything will be possible in terms of people’s livelihoods,
“In the revenues necessary for services across the country, I’m really optimistic that Nigeria has a great future ahead,” he stated.
