United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May arrived the State House, Abuja yesterday and was received by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The two leaders held discussions, and signed vital defence and economic agreements involving Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Bilateral Agreement on Defence & Security Partnership was signed by National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno and the British Deputy National Security Adviser, Christian Turner.
The Bilateral agreement on Nigerian Trade Development by Nigerian Minister of State Budget & National planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmed and the British Minister of State for Trade Policy, George Hollingbery MP.
According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, the agreements between both countries cover a wide range of aspects.
Earlier, President Buhari commended Britain for its support in the area of security, especially in the fight against insurgency in the North East, as well as the improved trade relations between both countries.
He also assured May of his commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in 2019 and commended UK’s support at strengthening democratic institutions in the country.
“I assure you that I’m all out for free, fair and credible elections. I’m very pleased that my party is doing very well,” the President was quoted in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina.
“The High Commissioner will brief you more. The recent successes in polls in Katsina, Bauchi, and Kogi have boosted our morale greatly. Nigeria has accepted multiparty democracy and that is putting politicians on their toes, forcing them to work harder,” the President informed the British PM.
On her part, Mrs May explained that security and defence cooperation was a crucial step to address insurgency viz Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa.
May said she was pleased to be in Nigeria continue the “excellent discussions” she started with President Buhari in London in April, particularly on security, trade, asset recovery and the fight against corruption.