At the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Kigali this afternoon, the Prime Minister had a meeting with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.
He outlined the UK’s determination to strengthen economic connections with Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, citing today’s introduction of the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme as an example of the UK’s efforts to reduce trade barriers and support growth.
The leaders acknowledged the enormous challenges that rising global commodity prices, fueled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, pose to all countries, but particularly those in Africa.
They agreed to look into measures to strengthen UK-Nigeria cooperation on energy supplies and sustainable technology.
The Prime Minister praised Nigeria’s involvement in the Great Green Wall initiative and Forest Declaration as well as the advancements made in climate action following COP26.
They also reviewed regional security, including the persistent challenges from Boko Haram in Nigeria and the situation in Libya, and pledged to strengthen defense and security cooperation.
The leaders anticipate a fruitful Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the coming days.