Shettima seeks Nigeria-UK joint commission for stronger ties

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for the establishment of a Nigeria-UK Binational Commission to engender a stronger relationship between both countries, given the long-standing historical antecedents, business activities and shared interests.

Shettima made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to his office by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In his brief remarks, he commended the long-standing assistance and support of the UK government to Nigeria and expressed hope for more robust business relations.

Shettima said, “I will urge you to facilitate the setting up of the Nigeria-UK Binational Commission; that Bi-national Commission can be the driver for accelerating the business relationship between our two countries.

“We need to ramp up the trade between our two nations, taking into cognizance our proximity. There is no nation that we are closer to than the UK and our trade represents less than five per cent of the volume of our import and export.”

Speaking on the issue of the economy, Shettima, in a statement by his media office, said: “most definitely, we are going to create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish in this country.”

On the issue of Boko Haram terrorists and kidnappers, the Vice President said, “as part of the efforts of the Tinubu administration towards addressing ongoing security problems, the Vice President disclosed that the government will soon roll out different socio-economic intervention programmes and initiatives.”

In his remarks, Montgomery commended the new administration’s proactive economic policies, especially the reforms.

He lauded the long-standing relationship and cooperation with Nigeria, especially in trade and investment, security and defence, digital technology, and education.

He expressed the readiness of the UK government to partner closely with the Federal Government to achieve the country’s overall development