Nig, UK Sign 3 MoUs

Nigeria and the United Kingdom has signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Migration Partnership, Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security as well as Statement of Intent on the Expansion of Business Visas for UK companies working with Nigeria.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed the MoU while representing the Federal Government of Nigeria in the UK.

Tunji-Ojo said that the agreement reflects Nigeria’s commitment to a migration framework that is transparent and respectful of national interests and international obligations.

“This partnership is a testament to our shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial.

“We are not here to be diplomatic but to integrate and tell you that in the next one year all we want to be able to do is to reveal how far we have gone in being successful.

The minister acknowledged that Nigeria has an existing applaudable working relationship with UK home office in Nigeria.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated that Nigeria remained steadfast in its duty to protect citizens while ensuring that those who abuse legal pathways or engage in criminality are held accountable.

While signing on the expansion of business visas for UK companies, Tunji-Ojo said that; following the bold reforms of President Tinubu, the use of visa serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Nigeria.

He emphasised that in building a trillion dollar worth economy, Nigeria must cut trade barriers such as barriers of irregular migration.

The UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood said Nigeria will always be categorised as number one in successful bilateral relations.

“We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries, however, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement and we really do appreciate it.

During the signing of the third MoU, UK Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi, stated that the agreement on expansion of business visas for UK companies, has clear benefits for both countries.

Eshalomi attributed the heightened partnership as a bold step that is vital for economic growth for Africa’s largest and thriving economy, Nigeria.

PR/Nkiruka Njemanze