President Bola Tinubu has urged stronger economic and security ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom following high-level talks in London.
The call was made on Thursday, March 19, during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders discussed ways to expand trade partnerships and address mutual global concerns.
Speaking during the engagement, Tinubu emphasised the importance of reinforcing bilateral trade relations to drive growth in both countries.
“We need to nurture the trade agreements, you know, to make more economic relationships that will build our two nations,” he said.
The President noted that Nigeria is currently undergoing significant economic reforms designed to stabilise the nation’s economy and enhance the well-being of its citizens, even as global uncertainties persist.
“And Nigeria is currently going through a very strong reform of the economy And other than the volatility that we are seeing, we will discuss that further in our bilateral discussions,” he added.
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Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria’s economic challenges are not isolated, pointing out that countries around the world, including developed nations, are grappling with similar pressures.
“What we are facing is not a small challenge, currently, the entire world is challenged, you know and Nigeria is not immune, so is Britain, it’s not immune,” he said.
He stressed the need for both nations to place citizens’ welfare at the centre of their policies while working collaboratively to cushion the effects of economic instability.
“I’ve seen your reaction on television, just watching things as they develop, my concern is, as you rightly said, the economic and the welfare of the people and how do you pursue, you know, work together to improve the livelihood, that means mitigating the economic volatility in this country,” Tinubu added.
Beyond economic issues, the President also drew attention to pressing security concerns across Africa, particularly terrorism linked to instability in the Sahel, as well as the growing impact of climate change.
“And currently, we are challenged in being the largest city in West Africa, country in West Africa, and on the continent, challenged by, you know, terrorism and the conflict of climate change, all of that.
“We will be able to discuss it in our bilateral relations. Let’s see what Britain can do to accelerate the friendship, partnership, and the collaboration,” he added.