Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 21
21
The Commonwealth presents a significant opportunity as the UK looks to strengthen ties with Nigeria...
Recommendation
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. We recommend that the UK Government place the Commonwealth at the front and centre of their multilateral approach to diplomacy, trade and cultural exchange with regard to Nigeria. (Paragraph 52) Lagos calling: Nigeria and the Integrated Review 43
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 UK has played a leading role in helping to deliver the commitments made by Commonwealth Heads of State and Government. With the support of UK funding, many Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, Uganda and Malawi, have strengthened their legislation concerning human trafficking and modern slavery. Nigeria has also benefitted from commitments made at the Commonwealth Heads of Government in 2018, where the UK pledged an additional £212 million for the Girls’ Education Challenge, which has ensured marginalised girls continue to access 12 years of quality education and learning as well as offering a second chance girls who have either dropped out of school or never had the opportunity to learn. The SheTrades Commonwealth programme connects women entrepreneurs to international markets and investment opportunities, helping enhance the competitiveness of entrepreneurs across Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. In support of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda, the UK has worked with Commonwealth partners to encourage intra-Commonwealth trading opportunities, including through our network of Trade Envoys to Commonwealth countries, such as Nigeria. Nigeria is also engaging with Commonwealth bodies – for instance Nigeria has received support from the Commonwealth Secretariat on the international rules on seabed mining and has actively participated in forums on youth exclusion and on investment.