Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across critical sectors, with renewed focus on defence, trade, migration, and cybersecurity.
The agreement was reached in New York during a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima and UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.
The discussion took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring the strategic nature of the partnership at a time of shifting global priorities.
Vice-President Shettima also addressed the Global Leadership Council Meeting, where he stressed the Nigerian government’s determination to seize opportunities in the digital economy.
He explained that the country is prioritising youth and women empowerment as part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s inclusive governance agenda.
“Be assured that we are poised to take opportunities in the digital space to engage our youth and, most importantly, to empower our women because they are the backbone of our society,” Shettima said.
He noted that young Nigerians are increasingly occupying significant roles within government, which he described as a deliberate effort to secure the future of the nation.
For the UK, the renewed partnership reflects its broader foreign policy stance of building closer ties with African countries after Brexit.
Areas such as defence and cybersecurity remain central to UK-Nigeria relations, particularly as both nations face growing threats from global terrorism, cyberattacks, and transnational crime.
On the economic front, trade between the two countries has continued to expand, with Britain positioning itself as a major investor in Nigeria’s energy, financial services, and technology sectors.
Migration also remains a shared priority, with both governments exploring frameworks to manage skilled labour movement, student exchange, and legal migration pathways while addressing irregular migration challenges.
The Shettima-Lammy meeting builds on decades of bilateral cooperation. The UK has historically been one of Nigeria’s strongest diplomatic and economic partners, while Nigeria remains the UK’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.
Analysts say the new pledge of cooperation could further cement ties, particularly in the wake of Nigeria’s economic reforms and Britain’s search for stronger post-Brexit global partnerships.
By placing emphasis on inclusivity, innovation, and security, both countries are positioning their partnership not just as a diplomatic engagement, but as a forward-looking alliance designed to address 21st-century challenges.
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