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Minister for Africa, Grant Shapps, has pledged to support Nigeria’s stability and development at the start of his first visit to the country.

Arriving in Abuja, Grant Shapps praised the UK’s close relationship with Nigeria and set out how the two countries will work together to increase prosperity, trade and security.

During his visit he will meet with ministers and senior government officials, including Vice President Yemi Osibajo, the National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno and the Kaduna and Lagos State Governors.

He will also see how the UK’s investment in Nigeria’s solar energy market can provide a clean and reliable answer to the country’s problem of energy access.

Grant Shapps said:

The UK has a strong relationship with Nigeria and we will continue to promote vital investment, tackle corruption and create a safer and more prosperous future for the country.

From a trade relationship worth over £6 billion every year to our military cooperation against Boko Haram, Nigeria is a country whose security and prosperity truly matters to the UK.

With more than half of Nigeria currently living without electricity, it is vital that more people can access clean and reliable solar energy. Not only will this transform people’s everyday lives, it is a tremendous opportunity for growth.

I am determined that Britain will build on its close relationship with Nigeria by sharing our skills, knowledge and expertise.

The UK is providing a comprehensive package of support to Nigeria, including expanded military training and intelligence cooperation, anti-corruption capacity building and investigative support, and an annual development programme worth £218 million, contributing to the increasing prosperity at the heart of a thriving trade relationship worth £6.1 billion per year.

Grant Shapps’ visit follows a series of meetings between the UK’s Prime Minister and President Buhari, most recently at the United Nations General Assembly, and the UK Foreign Secretary’s attendance at the President’s inauguration in May 2015.

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