Recommendations & Conclusions
21 items
1
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The Integrated Review is right in its identification of Nigeria as an important strategic partner for the UK. We would go further to assert that the success (or otherwise) of the UK’s engagement with Nigeria, and its ability to take opportunities which emerge in the four priority areas of the …
Government response. The Integrated Review is right in its identification of Nigeria as an important strategic partner for the UK. The Government is committed to building a strong partnership with Nigeria, to further our economic, security and people-to-people objectives and support Nigeria’s …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
2
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
Awareness of the interconnected nature of Nigeria’s business, governance, security and natural environments is vital at every stage of policy making. The FCDO is well placed to play an oversight role, ensuring UK Government initiatives in one area are not undermined by lack of attention in another.
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. We agree that there are benefits to a clear and realistic longer-term plan for our approach in Nigeria. However, we do not agree that we should publish a new integrated delivery plan within the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
3
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The UK’s approach in Nigeria should be one that is defined by detailed and coherent long-term engagement. Yet it should be sufficiently agile to take advantage of new opportunities. As the FCDO makes difficult decisions on programme activities over the coming years, particularly those funded through Official Development Assistance, careful …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. We agree that there are benefits to a clear and realistic longer-term plan for our approach in Nigeria. However, we do not agree that we should publish a new integrated delivery plan within the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
4
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
Issues surrounding the colonial legacy of the UK in Nigeria should be delicately addressed through meaningful dialogue. We recommend that the FCDO should be proactive in encouraging dialogue around any aspects of the UK’s colonial legacy, including the future of the Benin Bronzes, which the Nigerian Government feel are yet …
Government response. We agree with this recommendation. The Government recognises the significance of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria – these are magnificent works of art and an important part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. The FCDO’s Diplomatic Academy, working in conjunction with our …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
5
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The enthusiasm of the Nigerian community in the UK to engage with their country of origin provides an opportunity for the UK Government to trial initiatives to work with diaspora groups from other countries where there are overlapping interests. We recommend that the FCDO make the most of the enthusiasm …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. As the Foreign Affairs Committee’s (FAC) report acknowledges, perceptions of the UK amongst Nigerians are generally very good. But we do not take this for granted. The British High Commission in Abuja and Deputy …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
6
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
As an emerging science and technology hub in Africa, Nigeria presents opportunities for the UK Government to make progress toward its priority of securing strategic advantage through science and technology. Investment in businesses and capacity development in the IT sector also has the potential to bring benefits to the people …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. The FCDO agrees on the need to engage proactively in the digital and IT sector and space but would reflect that evidence does not support the need for ODA spend on skills capacity building …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
7
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The UK Government should be more proactive in initiating programmes that build the capacity of the Nigerian IT workforce. Such programmes have the potential to be beneficial to both countries. We recommend the FCDO lead a pilot skills development programme within the ICT sector that aims to address skills shortages …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. The FCDO agrees on the need to engage proactively in the digital and IT sector and space but would reflect that evidence does not support the need for ODA spend on skills capacity building …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
8
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The FCDO could support the Nigerian civil service by creating opportunities for the Nigerian Government to make the most of future skills development programmes: a) including a quota for trainees in the ICT skills development programme who will return to join the Nigerian civil service at both state and federal …
Government response. We do not agree this recommendation. The UK Government has supported the Nigerian civil service to build capacity and effectiveness but does not plan to introduce specific quotas for this audience in our skills programming. The UK Government has provided …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
9
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
Electricity provision is key to the development of Nigerian businesses. We recognise the priority the UK Government has put on this sector and encourage increased attention be paid here.
Government response. We agree with this recommendation and it aligns with our existing work and approach in this area. The UK Government is supportive of Nigeria’s transition to a low carbon economy and is working with international partners to this end, including …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
10
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The UK Government, through the merger of DFID and the FCO, aims to use Official Development Assistance (ODA) more effectively to contribute toward wider foreign policy goals. This aim has been undermined by the cuts to research and Lagos calling: Nigeria and the Integrated Review 39 training programmes in the …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. As per our earlier response, the FCDO does not plan to publish an ‘integrated delivery plan’ at this time. However, our science and technology approach is, and will continue to be, reflected within our …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
11
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The UK-Nigeria Tech hub is an innovative solution that has the potential to benefit UK and Nigerian businesses through the exposure of entrepreneurs to would-be investors, peer mentoring and training. The lessons learnt here have the potential to be applied to other situations on the continent. To maximise the effectiveness …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. The FCDO recognises the value and impact of the UK – Nigeria Tech-Hub, as the committee’s recommendations set out, but does not commit to follow all parts of the committee’s recommendations. ODA Budget allocations …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
12
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
Nigeria’s security matters to the UK. Evidence described four significant security situations which make daily life in many parts of the country dangerous and sap the resources of the security services. Some of these crises, we heard, have the potential to threaten the very existence of the Nigerian state. These …
Government response. We agree with this recommendation, which is a continuation of current work streams, and is in line with the commitments the UK Government made at the Security and Defence Partnership dialogue in February 2022. Under our Conflict, Stability and Security …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
13
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
What is needed to support Nigeria in its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and adapt to its impacts is a package of targeted investment in both tangibles and intangibles which addresses multiple issues simultaneously. Interventions which will bear the most fruit for citizens of Nigeria and the UK will be …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. The UK supports regional climate initiatives through institutions such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, African Development Bank and the World Bank – we estimate that over $300m is being put into …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
14
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
We welcome the collaboration the Prince of Wales has given to the Great Green Wall initiative through the Sustainable Markets Initiative. The UK Government, however, is not as engaged as it could be in initiatives, such as the Great Green Wall, 40 Lagos calling: Nigeria and the Integrated Review that …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. The UK supports regional climate initiatives through institutions such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, African Development Bank and the World Bank – we estimate that over $300m is being put into …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
15
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
We welcome the part the UK Government has played in involving the private sector in climate finance. We also recognise the breadth of support it offers to those wishing to make sustainable investments in Nigeria. However, the picture of multiple focal points and inconsistent policy decisions suggest that there is …
Government response. We agree on the need to continue to assess how best to support investment. This issue has been heavily studied by the FCDO’s International Financial Institutions Department and Private Sector Department, who work closely with DFIs such as the Private …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
16
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The record of UK Government returning embezzled funds from the City of London to Nigeria and in holding those responsible to account has been disappointing. The issues of London being used in the chain of corrupt wealth will be explored in more detail in our forthcoming inquiry on illicit finance.
Government response. The Committee recommended (paragraph 12) that the FCDO make the most of the enthusiasm for engagement amongst the Nigerian community to test various ways of involving diaspora groups in diplomacy. For example: a) Ad-hoc focus groups should be convened for …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
17
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
We welcome the innovative steps the UK Government has taken to support Nigeria’s transition to a low carbon economy. However, we believe there is scope for higher ambition in its goals and greater clarity in its approach. We recommend the UK Government works with other international partners to support Nigeria’s …
Government response. We agree with this recommendation and it aligns with our existing work and approach in this area. The UK Government is supportive of Nigeria’s transition to a low carbon economy and is working with international partners to this end, including …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
18
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
Investment in, and support for, Nigerian creative arts bring social and economic benefits for Nigerians. Investment builds on the UK’s soft power as a champion of the arts, helping maintain its position as a leader in the worldwide music industry. We recommend the FCDO support the development of the Afrobeats …
Government response. We partially agree with this recommendation. The FCDO is supportive of efforts to connect artists in the UK and Nigeria for both commercial and cultural reasons. Collaborations as with the song Peru (sung by Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran, which …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
19
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
We applaud the important work undertaken by the British Council in promoting greater cultural ties and building on soft power assets. Similarly, the BBC World Service provides both a voice into, and a voice out of Nigeria, communicating British and Nigerian values and interests. We recommend that British Council funding …
Government response. We do not agree with the recommendation on ring-fencing British Council programming. The British Council’s work across the world plays a crucial role in supporting the ambitions of the IR and the IDS. In support of a more interconnected UK …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
20
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The Integrated Review defines the aspirations for Global Britain as being a force for good that supports open societies and defends human rights. We recognise that the understanding of these is one that is shared by the Buhari Government, which 42 Lagos calling: Nigeria and the Integrated Review has committed …
Government response. We do not agree with the recommendation to ring-fence support to human rights projects. ODA Budget allocations are set by the Foreign Secretary and are designed to provide support across a wide range of projects. We do not plan further …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
21
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Lagos calling: Nigeria…
The Commonwealth presents a significant opportunity as the UK looks to strengthen ties with Nigeria and other African partners. The foundation of common history and the desire for greater reciprocity should not be taken for granted nor be overlooked as the UK Government seeks to deepen cultural and economic ties. …
Government response. We agree with this recommendation. Nigeria remains a prominent partner in the Commonwealth. We welcome President Buhari’s recent opinion pieces in UK press in which he called for deepened cooperation between Commonwealth countries. As Commonwealth Chair-in Office since 2018, the …
Foreign and Commonwealth Office