UK pledges to support Nigeria in fight against terrorism

UK pledges to support Nigeria in fight against terrorism

The British Government has pledged to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and other activities that threaten security.

British Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron, said this on Tuesday at a news conference in Lagos after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan and the business community.

Cameron pointed out that insecurity in Nigeria could affect the British economy.

“Britain sees Nigeria as a country with massive potential which should not be allowed to be overtaken by terrorism and other acts capable of breaching peace and security.

“Because of common areas of interest, Britain would partner with Nigeria in fighting terrorism in any form,’’ he said.

Improving trade relations

The prime minister said that he led a delegation to Nigeria to discuss areas of business and investment cooperation between both countries.

Cameron said that trade relations between both countries was impressive at the moment, and hoped that it would be better by 2014.

Other interest areas

He announced plans by the British Government to also support Nigeria in realising the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on health.

Cameron said that the British Government would equally support Nigeria in its fight against corruption.

President Jonathan noted that some Nigerians were frustrating the country’s efforts at checking insecurity and stressed the need to deal with the situation now.

He said: “We are going to work with other countries to achieve our aim.

“We will continue to work with the British Government because we have common interest that must be protected.’’

Jonathan appealed to the British Government to support Nigeria in its struggle for representation in the UN Security Council.

He gave the assurance that Nigerian would continue to have cordial trade relations with Britain.

NAN/Williams