BY GODWIN OBI
The Nigerian Government on Monday sought the assistance of the United Kingdom, United Nations and other European countries in ongoing efforts to tackle escalating security crisis in the West African sub-region using the G-5 and Sahel platform.
This latest appeal came in the wake of a renewed promise by the United Kingdom to assist Nigeria repatriate proceeds of corruption back to the country.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama made this known on Monday, when he received in audience, UK member of Parliament and Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford, at his office in Abuja.
Onyeama said that the UK has been involved in helping West Africa tackle its political and security challenges as currently witnessed in Liberia, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and other parts of the Sub region, saying the UN is supporting efforts to douse tension.
He noted that Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with United Kingdom has remained cordial and growing stronger.
While acknowledging that COVID-19 has created a lot of challenges for Nigeria and the rest of the world, Onyeama said the country looks forward to more economic relations with the UK to surmount the challenges.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the cabinet minister from the UK was in Nigeria to discuss issues of governance, security and economy.
The visiting UK Member of Parliament and Minister for Africa, Vicky Ford said her country is assisting to return corruption proceeds to the tune of 210,000 pounds, as part of its support to the anti-corruption crusade of the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria.
According to her, she will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN for the return of the funds.
She also disclosed that the British Government is assisting Nigeria revamp the moribund textile industry.
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2022-02-22
