Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has emphasized the need to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) to foster mutual benefits.
Kalu made the call on Thursday when he received in audience the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Africa) for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, United Kingdom, His Excellency, Lord Collins of Highbury accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery and other officials.
It will be recalled that the Deputy Speaker in January this year led a delegation of the Nigerian lawmakers from the House to the UK Parliament where he met with Lord Collins and other notable British Parliamentarians on issues of mutual benefits to both countries.
Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, in a statement quoted Kalu as extolling the economic ties existing between both countries, emphasizing the need for improvement.
He said: “Nigeria, with a population exceeding 230 million, is Africa’s largest economy. In 2024, our economy demonstrated a growth rate of 3.4%, marking our highest in a decade.
“Total trade in goods and services between decade and Nigeria amounted to £7.2 billion in the four quarters leading to the end of Q4 2024. Within this, total UK exports to Nigeria were £5.3 billion (an increase of 3.2% compared to the previous year), while total UK imports from Nigeria stood at £1.9 billion. This indicates a trade surplus of £3.4 billion for the UK. Nigeria was the UK’s 38th largest trading partner during this period, accounting for 0.4% of total UK trade.
“Our bilateral partnership is multifaceted, as demonstrated by the Nigeria-UK Strategic Partnership agreed on November 4, 2024, and further reinforced by eight partnership agreements signed in September 2024,
valued at approximately N589 billion (£272.6 million). These agreements span critical sectors including governance, climate change, education, health, and the economy.“The United Kingdom’s May 2025 Immigration White Paper, “Restoring Control over the Immigration System,” introduces several reforms. These include raising the Skilled Worker visa threshold to RQF Level 6, increasing
salary thresholds, replacing the broader Immigration Salary List with a more restrictive Temporary Shortage List, extending the qualifying period for settlement to ten years for most routes, tightening English language
requirements (B2 for main applicants and introducing requirements for adult dependants), shortening the Graduate Route visa to 18 months, and closing the overseas Social Care Worker visa route to new applicants.“These measures have the potential to create new challenges for Nigerian nationals who have historically contributed to the UK’s economy and society.
“Today’s dialogue provides an opportunity to advocate for: An immigration policy framework that acknowledges the contributions of Nigerian nationals; Mutual recognition of qualifications to facilitate the movement of skilled professionals; Expanded educational pathways for Nigerian students within UK institutions.
“As global dynamics shift, the United Kingdom and Nigeria have a shared interest in fostering a future based on mutual respect and prosperity. This partnership should include tangible support for counter-terrorism initiatives,
regional stability, and robust economic cooperation. Nigeria engages in these discussions as a committed partner, underscored by our ongoing domestic reforms, regional leadership, and adherence to the rule of law.“This engagement signifies a commitment to mutual progress. The relationship between our nations is built on a foundation of shared objectives and a forward-looking vision.
“We anticipate that our parliamentary cooperation will continue to strengthen, contributing to the prosperity and well-being of both our countries”.
Earlier in his remarks, the visiting UK Parliamentarian, Lord Collins expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded him in Nigeria, expressing optimism about strengthening inter-parliamentary ties, focusing on economic growth, and fostering a partnership based on mutual respect and equality between Nigeria and the UK.
“It is my pleasure to be here. I had such a warmth welcome. It is a great pleasure to meet you again, Deputy Speaker. I’m very grateful we were able to cement a very strong partnership.
“Our visit today is absolutely focused on how we’ll build the partnership for economic growth. A partnership based on respect and equality; we want to create the conditions for the growth, creating a win-win situation.
“Our two countries have had important relationship and the new government absolutely focused on economic growth, increasing the welfare of our people together.
“I want to reassure you that my relationship is about strengthening interparliamentary contents to ensure that we share the same objectives, supports, and absolute fundamental positions of democracy that has been embedded here in Nigeria, and in the United Kingdom.
“So, thank you very much for the warm welcome and thank you very much for the engagement and I look forward to having more detailed dialogue with Your Excellency”, he said.
