Britain to assist in development of Niger-Delta region

The British Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently hasten the development of the oil rich Niger-Delta region.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Paul Arkwright, who is barely two months in the country, disclosed this when he visited the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Usani Usani, over the weekend in Abuja.

The Envoy disclosed that his country’s government was more than willing to partner with the Federal Government and other development partners with a view to placing the region on the global map of massive development.

Stating that he was at the ministry to enquire about key priority in the region, he stressed that his country was gratified with recent successful and credible elections as well as the smooth transition of power in Nigeria.

He explained that the British government on that note decided to partner with the ministry in every possible areas of collaboration to actualize peace and development, particularly in the oil rich region of Nigeria.

Arkwright, who described Niger Delta Region as a critical Part of Nigeria, said he was poised to achieving new targets set to boost uncommon opportunities that will close existing development gaps in the oil rich region.

In his response, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs expressed satisfaction with the offer and commended the British government for what he termed as massive support in the democratic process of Nigeria and in the fight against insurgency.

He pleaded with Britain not to withdraw its support to the nation especially in the area of boosting Nigeria’s politics, product and industry as well as its assistance as it pertains to regulatory institutions.

Usani also stressed the need for the British government to help secure the nation’s badly polluted environment by aiding to upgrade the existing environmental standard and procedure that is already in place.

The minister told his guest that while Nigeria is working tirelessly to diversify from Oil to Agriculture, it will be highly appreciated if they tender professional support in this regard as well as help in convincing the World Bank to key into the vision.

#britain #NigerDelta