United Kingdom Minister for the Department for International Development, James Wharton, has assured Nigeria of the UK determination to support the country in addressing its economic challenges.
The minister made the assurance ahead of his three-day visit to Nigeria, during which he will meet Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.
The British High Commission quoted him in a statement as saying, “The UK is committed to furthering its relationship with Nigeria and, as we move to seize the opportunities presented by leaving the European Union, we are all the more determined to work together on tackling big challenges facing the country – which is both in Nigeria and the UK’s interests.”
“Nigeria’s success truly matters to the UK and to Africa as a whole. As an outward-looking, globally engaged nation, I want to deepen the broad range of support and assistance the UK provides Nigeria, including in health, education and economic reform.”
On arrival, Wharton will further deliberate with Nigeria on issues of security and humanitarian challenges in the Northeast.
He will also look into the distribution of UK aid in the northeast which is being distributed in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross to transform lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the area.
He added, “It is a tragedy that the conflict in North East Nigeria has left millions of people in urgent need of shelter, protection, food and emergency health care.”
Wharton who serves as the overseer of all development assistance in Africa, will also assess human development projects in the country and visit the Bridge Academy School in Lagos as well as the Mile 12 Market to meet with retail and wholesale traders.
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