Former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, on Thursday said he felt “perfectly safe” during his visit to Owerri, Imo State, dismissing negative security reports that preceded his trip.
Johnson, who delivered the keynote address at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for what he described as significant strides in improving security and expanding electricity access across the state.
“When I decided to come to Owerri, I read some things, and there were people saying there may be some security problems in Nigeria. And I said, ‘Well, I am going to go anyway,’” Johnson told participants. “We all feel safe here today, and I feel perfectly safe. Thank you, Governor, for what you are doing.”
He praised Uzodimma’s plan to deliver 24-hour electricity in Imo, saying artificial intelligence would play a pivotal role in achieving clean, sustainable power.
“Your focus on electricity is completely right. The future is AI. For clean, sustainable electricity—and because of AI—it’s going to be colossal,” Johnson said. “I congratulate you for what you are doing to secure clean and sustainable power for Imo State and for the whole of Nigeria.”
Johnson also highlighted long-standing cultural and professional exchanges between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, describing the relationship as mutually beneficial. He joked that while Britain sends automotive parts, pharmaceuticals and financial services to Nigeria, the country receives Nollywood films, skilled professionals and “future UK prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch.”
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Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, industrialist Aliko Dangote, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and several governors were among dignitaries at the summit.
Johnson’s comments come amid renewed insecurity across Nigeria. In November, gunmen staged multiple mass abductions, including the kidnapping of more than 300 students and teachers in Niger State, heightening concerns over school safety nationwide.
The situation drew global attention after former US President Donald Trump issued a strongly worded warning accusing Nigeria of failing to protect vulnerable groups, particularly Christian communities.