Buhari’s speech as Nigeria, Britain sign agreements on security, economic development

Nigeria and Britain on Wednesday in Abuja signed two agreements on Defence and Security partnership , as well as Economic Development Forum.Speaking briefly before signing the agreements , President Muhammadu Buhari stated that Nigeria and the United Kingdom would continue to enhance cooperation in tackling corruption and reducing poverty .

The Nigerian leader lauded the British government for its assistances to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism , and pledged Nigeria ’ s readiness to strengthen the relationship between the two countries .

“ I welcome you most sincerely to Nigeria and I am very grateful to the British Government under your leadership for the help you are giving us in the area of security .

“ The training team that goes to our institutions in Kaduna and observe the operations in the North – East mainly , we thank you very much for that .

“ I also thank you very much for the improvement in trade relationship between us since you assumed office .

“ We are nervously watching developments about Brexit , because we know that relationship has been on since 1938 and people are here looking at the opportunities in education , businesses , and so on .

“ Let me assure you that we will take the necessary steps to improve on the trade relationship between our two countries , ’’ he said

President Buhari expressed Nigeria ’ s satisfaction with the removal of barriers by British Government for veterans of the World Wars , and numerous assistance to tackle human trafficking as well as climate change .

He also narrated the effects of the drying up of Lake Chad and the need to resuscitate it , to boost farming and fishing activities within the Chad basin .

In her remarks , British Prime Minister , Theresa May , said following the exit of the UK from the European Union , there would be need to seek more economic ties with Nigeria .

She pledged that the United Kingdom would assist Nigeria in the fight against terrorists as well as human trafficking.

She said : “ I ’ m delighted to be able to continue the very good discussions we had when you were in London in April.

“ As you said , we already have very good cooperation between the UK and Nigeria , which include education , defence , security and trade relations.

“ We are ready to cooperate together on global and regional issues ; to strengthen that cooperation and partnership.

“ I have with me a business delegation , as we look to enhance our ties in future and explore more trading opportunities .

“ We will also be looking to work together to step up efforts against security threats from Boko Haram , human trafficking and the likes .

“ And , of course , also cooperate to fight corruption and lifting people out of poverty . ’’

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Theresa May has , since , departed Abuja for Kenya via Lagos as she continues her tour of African countries .

( NAN )

Download Edujandon.com News App QR-Code

Edujandon.com - 24/7 News Upda

Developer: Edujandon Enterprises

Price: Free