As trade and investment, security, development, migration, education, people-to-people relations top agenda
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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen longstanding bilateral relations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this after receiving the newly appointed British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pete Vowles, in Abuja.
Vowles, according to the British High Commission, Abuja, arrived Nigeria in September to take up his new role as head of the United Kingdom’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria, succeeding Richard Montgomery.
He was announced as the next British High Commissioner to Nigeria on 16 June 2026.
Prior to his posting to Nigeria, the British envoy previously served in senior diplomatic and development roles across Africa and Asia, including postings in Bangladesh, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya.
In a Facebook post, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said she was pleased to receive the new British High Commissioner on a courtesy visit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
“The meeting provided an opportunity for our two nations to reaffirm commitment to strengthening our longstanding bilateral relationship, founded on shared historical ties, diplomatic engagement and cooperation across key areas of mutual interest.
“The visit also provided fresh momentum for enhanced cooperation in trade and investment, security, development, migration, education and people-to-people relations,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The minister further said their discussions also focused on consolidating the gains of the recent State Visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom in March 2026, a landmark diplomatic engagement that underscored the importance both countries attach to deepening their strategic partnership.
“We both recognise the importance of sustained dialogue and effective implementation of existing bilateral commitments in advancing shared interests, and remain committed to building on established institutional frameworks, including the Nigeria-UK Strategic Partnership, to expand areas of collaboration, strengthen mutual understanding and address emerging bilateral and global challenges,” the minister stated.