The governments of the United Kingdom (UK) and Enugu State have agreed to collaborate for the mutual economic benefit of the UK and the state, according to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, and Enugu State Governor, Barr Peter Mbah. This was even as Mbah’s request on Tuesday for technical support from the UK government, as well as the return of the UK visa facilitation centre to Enugu to strengthen trade, commerce, and other links between the UK and Enugu State.
Governor Mbah spoke on Enugu’s significant roles and place in Nigerian history and said the state was keen to reclaim its leading position.
“We have also shared an ambitious vision to the people of Enugu State on where we could get to in terms of our economy. One of the things we said to them is our ambition to transform Enugu to become a premier destination for investment, business, living and tourism. And we also have plans to eradicate poverty in the state, which is currently higher than the national average.
“This is why your visit to us today is quite remarkable because we believe it is not a journey we can go alone. We need partnerships. We need collaborations in order to achieve that. Interestingly, we have a history of partnership with the UK, just as you have alluded to”.
During the visit, Dr Montgomery expressed his support for the new administration’s investment and economic growth drive in the state, recalling that the UK had partnered with Enugu State for over 20 years on issues such as public health and education and power sector reforms, among others.
According to him, “So, we are interested in continuing that partnership. I have been reading the press and the ways you have been seeking to already put your stamp on reforms and your ambitions for the state.
“I am here to listen, learn, and understand more about your priority and that of your new government to explore areas of further collaboration.
“I understand that very important reforms are currently being made in Nigeria, trying to put the economy back on track and on a higher growth path.
“We really hope that the South East and Enugu State will see more opportunities coming from the economy in the coming years.
“There might be some short-term pressures and volatility to manage, but we can see the prospects for a higher growth path for Nigeria.
“The UK is very interested in exploring partnerships on trade and investment and I have come to Enugu to understand your agenda and to explore those areas of potential partnership going forward”, he stated.
cc: Daily Post Ng
