British Prime Minister, Theresa May, says she had an excellent time in Nigeria and hopes to see increased trade and investment between Nigeria and the
British Prime Minister, Theresa May, says she had an excellent time in Nigeria and hopes to see increased trade and investment between Nigeria and the UK. Theresa who has since departed Lagos said, “I was in Abuja and also in Lagos to see the thriving business community here. We want to see increased trade between Nigeria and UK, increased investment, bringing jobs here in Nigeria, jobs in the UK and how investment in Lagos can be improved by British investors. This will be good for both countries and I have had an excellent time in here in Nigeria, and I am very pleased to be here today,” she told newsmen.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, who was at the airport to see her off, said the important visit centered on improving investment in the state and the country in general.
“We realise that Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and a whole lot of British investment are domiciled in Lagos. We have been doing a lot of judicial sector reforms and security sector reforms and she is pleased with the progress we are making in Lagos. She is ready to complement our efforts by opening up export credit facility and also with development finance to some of the things that we are doing in Lagos. We also spoke about things related to technology, infrastructure and also the creative industry,” he said.
On the relationship between Lagos and Britain, Mr Ambode said: “we need to make sure that a whole lot of British investment is coming to Lagos. She is willing to do more with us. You know, Lagos in 1861 was a British colony. The history has been so long, so, we also need to reactivate that,” Mr Ambode said.
The governor expressed optimism in the strengthening of the relationship between Britain and Lagos and vowed that his administration would do whatever it takes to achieve these goals. Also May said that export credit finance to the tune of 750 million pounds sterling, as well as a considerable development finance was available, which Lagos State could look towards. She also spoke about the role Britain could play in the development of the technology industry in Lagos given the particular capability of the UK in that area. The British Prime Minister also noted the special strength of the London City as a financial hub that could be of considerable importance for Lagos State, just as she emphasized sustainability and growth in Britain/Lagos relationship.
