The United Kingdom on Wednesday decried the security situation in Nigeria, describing it as worrisome.
Briefing journalists at his residence in Abuja, the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, attributed the situation to spill overs from Sudan and Niger.
Montgomery said the UK government was collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser as well as through investments in security infrastructure to reduce it.
He expressed concerns over cases of visa fraud in the country, stressing that the situation was connected to the recent cases of visa rejections.
The envoy advised visa applicants to provide the right supporting documents to get a chance of approval.
The United Kingdom, however, reiterated its commitment to fostering its economic and trade ties with Nigeria through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
According to the diplomat, the core mandate of the partnership covers areas such as education, agriculture, financial services, clean energy, digital technology, and the creative industry.
On the nation’s economy, Montgomery hailed the latest report of the World Bank that said Nigeria is on the path towards economic recovery, thus making it an investment hub for the United Kingdom.
He also commended the trade ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which he said currently stand at £7.2 billion.
While applauding the trade partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the British High Commissioner noted that exports of hydrocarbons from the UK to Nigeria had reduced, stressing that the boost given to local production remained commendable.
On export tariffs, the UK announced a tariff-free export on 3,000 goods from Nigeria.
Some of the products on the list include cocoa, cashew nuts, prawns, and flowers.
Credit: channelstv.com
