Despite the various controversies trailing the Abuja Centenary City project, the United Kingdom (UK) has said it is ever ready to support Nigeria’s ambition to develop the smart city.
This was disclosed by the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, John Howell, while commenting on his two-day visit to Nigeria which has already commenced.
According to him, the UK will deploy its expertise in urban planning and transport with the hope to support the Centenary city project.
He said that with a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s technology plans and needs, through a visit to the Abuja Tech Village, the UK will support greater digital access and connectivity in Nigeria.
The envoy added that he will engage Nigerian business leaders and learn about their needs and how British expertise can help their companies grow.
He promised to take forward engagement on ease of doing business and will specifically discuss with Ministers key barriers that impact business; and also explore deeper opportunities inherent in UK and Nigerian partnerships.
He said he will also engage the Nigerian Stock Exchange and encourage continued cooperation between both Stock Exchanges and financial institutions as part of an effort to help grow Nigeria’s capital markets.
Howell said: “I will be visiting the Centenary City and discussing opportunities around Nigeria’s ambition to develop future (smart) cities.
“The UK has substantial expertise in urban planning and transport, which we hope to support commercially in Nigeria via the Future Cities work-strand of the Prosperity Fund.
“I also want to advance my understanding of Nigeria’s plans and needs on technology and innovation and will be visiting the Abuja Tech Village. The UK is keen to support greater digital access and connectivity in Nigeria.”
“I’m looking forward to celebrating the hard work of the Chamber and also engaging with Nigerian businesses and learning about their needs and how British expertise can help Nigerian companies grow.
“On this visit I will take forward engagement on ease of doing business and will specifically discuss with Ministers key barriers that impact business and explore UK and Nigerian partnerships.”
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