THE British
government has vowed to
help Nigeria reduce
terrorism particularly in the
northern parts of the
country, just as it
condemned the level of
insecurity following
activities of members of the
Boko Haram sect.
Speaking yesterday when he
paid a visit to the Wuse
private residence of the
National Chairman of the
Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,
the new British High
Commissioner to Nigeria,
Andrew Pocock said as he
assumes office in Nigeria, his
government would pay
attention to three key areas
of security, prosperity and
development for Nigeria.
According to him, security
has been placed on the top
burner against the backdrop
of its importance, adding
that once there was
insecurity, where the unity
and continued existence of
the country was threatened,
investment and growth
would in turn be held to a
standstill.
Pocock noted that for
Nigeria to achieve what he
described as industrial
revolution, there was the
urgent need for the power
sector to be privatized to
enable the private sector
take charge of the economy
which will in turn lead to
growth and development in
all its ramifications.
The new British high
commissioner also promised
that in line with Nigeria’s
history with Britain, the
British government has
concluded plans to key into
the Centenary celebration
where Nigeria would roll out
drums to mark 100 years of
nationhood.
Earlier, the PDP National
Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga
Tukur noted that the envoy
was not invited for politics
and business, but the visit
was to enable him socialize
with him, interact with him
as well as welcome the new
High Commissioner to
Nigeria.
Tukur, however, told his
guest that Nigeria and
Britain have a long history
of relationship that must be
sustained in trade and
investment, adding that the
lost glory of some
companies like Costain that
were owned by Britain in
Nigeria and have long
become moribund, must be
revived.
At the meeting which was
tagged get together were
former Minister of Foreign
Affairs, Odein Ajumogobia;
Minister of Environment,
Hajia Hadiza Malaifa; Acting
National Secretary of PDP,
Onwe Solomon Onwe;
Honourable Ndidi; the new
South Africa High
Commissioner, among
others.