London, UK – On the afternoon of July 31, 2024, the UK Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, engaged in a significant dialogue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria. This conversation marks a promising step towards enhancing the longstanding relationship between the two Commonwealth nations.
During the call, President Tinubu extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Starmer on his recent electoral success. In turn, Prime Minister Starmer lauded Nigeria’s milestone of 25 years of continuous democracy, underscoring the nation’s progress and the enduring values shared by both countries.
The leaders expressed a mutual desire to use this moment as an opportunity to “reset and strengthen” their bilateral relations. “Our countries have a rich history of collaboration, particularly in trade and security,” noted Prime Minister Starmer. “As we look to the future, we are committed to working closely together to foster economic growth and shared prosperity, especially through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.”
This partnership aims to deepen economic ties, enhance investment flows, and create new opportunities for businesses in both nations. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Nigeria values its relationship with the UK, and we are eager to explore new avenues of cooperation that will benefit both our peoples.”
The conversation also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections between the UK and Nigeria, which are vital to the relationship. Both leaders acknowledged the significant Nigerian diaspora in the UK and its contributions to British society, as well as the growing British community in Nigeria.
As both nations navigate a complex global landscape, the renewed commitment to collaboration and dialogue signals a positive trajectory. The Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that this dialogue is a stepping stone towards deeper engagement and partnership across multiple sectors, including education, health, and technology.
This call represents a concerted effort to harness the potential of both countries, building on a foundation of shared values and common goals. As Prime Minister Starmer aptly put it, “Together, we can drive a future of greater economic dynamism and inclusive prosperity for our people.”
Editor: Gabriel Ani
