By Adedapo Adesanya
The United Kingdom is eyeing strengthening economic and trade partnerships with Nigeria to facilitate new opportunities in sectors such as energy, legal and financial services.
This call followed the visit of the UK Business and Trade Minister, Ms Kemi Badenoch, to Nigeria.
The British Minister together with her Nigerian counterpart, Mrs Doris Uzoka Anitie, Minister for Trade and Investment will sign the first of its kind Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) trade partnership with an African country.
This is according to a statement by the UK’s Department of Business and Trade detailing the activities of the visit of the Business and Trade Secretary to Nigeria.
The statement said the new trade partnership aims to eliminate barriers in the legal services and film industry by allowing UK lawyers to practise international law in Nigeria and foster collaboration between the film and media industry in both countries.
It stated, “It will see Nigeria commit to working towards removing barriers preventing UK lawyers from practising international and foreign law in Nigeria, a step that could significantly increase UK legal services exports. It will also pave the way for further collaboration in the film and media industry and encourage world-leading UK education providers to offer high-quality education in Nigeria.”
Speaking on the agreement, Ms Badenoch noted that the ETIP will unlock future opportunities for both countries and enhance trade relations with one of the biggest and fastest-growing economies of the world.
On her part, Mrs Uzoka-Anitie stated that the new partnership will move relations between both countries from mere historic ties to economic progress by opening market access for trade.
She said, “This partnership will see Nigeria-UK relations move beyond one of shared history and strong ties to one of shared economic prosperity. From increasing market access and supporting our vibrant businesses to creating more jobs and accelerating greater investments in sectors of mutual interests.”
Minister Badenoch and the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Mrs Helen Grant have had meetings with government officials as well as British and Nigerian business leaders and investors.
Yesterday, she visited the ongoing Charterhouse school construction site, which she said will facilitate education and knowledge sharing between both countries.
