![Left to Right: Second Row] The UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Arjun Jain; UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate; UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury MP; Head, Lake Chad Basin Block and Humanitarian and Resilience Team Leader, Elizabeth McGarva; UK’s Development Director in Nigeria, Cynthia Rowe; [Right to Left: First Row], British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery; UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria; Mohamed M. Malick Fall; and Country Director, World Food Programme in Nigeria, David Stevenson, after the meeting with UN Representatives at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Maitama, Abuja, today.](https://staging.thewillnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Photo-4-Meeting-with-Civil-Society-Leaders-696x478.jpg "Left to Right: Second Row] The UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Arjun Jain; UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate; UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury MP; Head, Lake Chad Basin Block and Humanitarian and Resilience Team Leader, Elizabeth McGarva; UK’s Development Director in Nigeria, Cynthia Rowe; [Right to Left: First Row], British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery; UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria; Mohamed M. Malick Fall; and Country Director, World Food Programme in Nigeria, David Stevenson, after the meeting with UN Representatives at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Maitama, Abuja, today.")
June 04, (THEWILL) – The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day official visit to Nigeria, aimed at strengthening the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership and reinforcing cooperation in key areas including trade, security, migration, and governance.
During his stay, Lord Collins held high-level talks with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives, and United Nations agencies. The visit underlined the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while fostering bilateral collaboration for transformative growth.
One of the key moments of the visit was a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic ties and enhancing regional security. Lord Collins was accompanied by the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
In a meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, discussions centred on improving parliamentary engagement between both countries and promoting increased participation of women in politics.
Speaking on the outcome of his visit, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect. Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister also engaged with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its potential impact on Nigeria, and how these changes could enhance humanitarian assistance, particularly in the conflict-affected Northeast.
Further engagements included a roundtable with civil society leaders on electoral integrity and governance reforms, reflecting the UK’s support for democratic principles and community-led development.
As part of the UK’s support for Nigeria’s security architecture, Lord Collins visited the Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell in Abuja. This security initiative, supported by the UK’s National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, plays a vital role in combating organised crime and improving public safety.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, noted that the visit highlights the UK’s strong commitment to economic partnership. “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy”, he said.
The visit reaffirms the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a joint vision for a prosperous future.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
