Nigeria-UK trade hit all-time-high at N16trn

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, says the trade value between Nigeria and Britain, which currently stands at 7.9 billion pounds (16 trillion naira) has hit an unprecedented level. Montgomery made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja. He lauded the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) which he said boosts trade relations by removing non-tariff trade and investment barriers to foster cooperation in priority sectors. According to him, the ETIP, which also promotes collaboration with the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), would scale the trade value by providing generous trading terms and tariff reductions on Nigerian products.  “So I’m really delighted at our most recent trade figures. The 7.9 billion pounds or 16 trillion Naira trade is the highest that it’s ever been between the UK and Nigeria. And so it’s a very positive trajectory. PLEASE READ: Unpaid benefits: Pensioners threaten nationwide ‘naked protest’ “The enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) is exciting because it’s a mutually agreed set of sectors and issues on which the UK and Nigeria government are going to work on. “It’s happening under the umbrella of our respective ministers, the federal minister of industry, investment and trade, and the UK business and trade minister,” he said. He added: “The exciting thing about ETIP is, and you’ve used the word leverage, that’s precisely right. “It identifies through mutual agreement the areas that the UK feels it has a comparative advantage in and the areas that Nigeria wants to create more economic opportunities in.” Montgomery said the UK was not competitive in all sectors, but has major advantages in various sectors, including the financial services, new technology, financial technology, artificial intelligence and other digital platforms. The British envoy said that in the creative economy, his country has some advanced manufacturing and advanced energy solutions, which are worth looking at, and credible in the Nigerian context. READ ALSO: Petroleum upstream sector reform delivers 28 FDPs worth $18b He said the UK was doing a lot in higher education investments in the Nigerian education sector, as well as in the agricultural sector to boost Nigeria’s agricultural exports, considering its high potential. “So, the ETIP identifies these priorities and we have ways of following up in each sector with the businesses and the government agencies on both sides that can unlock more investment and growth. “The aim is mutual growth, it’s creating jobs in both our countries, and that’s why it’s really important that we realise that ETIP is mutually agreed and negotiated, it’s in both our interests,” he added.

The Hyper-hysteria Over Prince Harry & Meghan Visit to Nigeria

There is no question in a celebrity-craze world that the visit of Prince Harry & Meghan is a big deal, especially when one adds the fact of Meghan’s Nigerian ancestry. Forty-three percent Nigerian DNA for mixed race Meghan is remarkable indeed. However, the over-the top reception, the media hysteria, and everyone, including governors, falling over one another for a handshake and photo-op with the couple show that the colo-mentality and the racial inferiority complex which Fela sang about decades ago are still alive and thriving in our society. Harry and Meghan gave up their royal duties and are technically not representing the British monarchy. But you couldn’t tell that given the hysteria in the social and traditional media. Thankfully, the presidency and the foreign affairs diplomats played it just about right. Don’t be surprised if, in the next few days, a controversy arises in Nigeria between the Igbo and other Nigerian ethnicities over which ethnicity accounts for Meghan’s DNA.

UK Govt Increases List of Organizations that Can Sponsor Nigerian Immigrants

The United Kingdom government has released a revised list of companies and organizations authorized to sponsor skilled immigrants applying for temporary worker visas from Nigeria. The official website, as of January 12, 2024, reveals a significant increase, with a total of 99,856 approved companies, marking a notable rise of 31,226 from the previous count in January 2023, which stood at 68,630. The list spans various industries, including technology, commerce, education, media and advertising, and engineering, among others. The UK government, in an announcement on its website, detailed the categories of workers these sponsors are licensed to support, including charity workers, skilled workers, creative workers, global business mobility: senior or specialist workers, and international sportspersons. Aspiring individuals are encouraged to visit the companies’ websites to explore available job opportunities. The companies listed are: 1. RSS Express Ltd T/A Ledbury Fuel Service Station 2. IECC Care (Independent Excel Care Consortium Limited) 3. AboutCare Hastings Ltd 4. £ ESS Ltd 5. Architect UK Ltd 6. Home Accommodation Services Ltd 7. Ur Eaz Ltd 8. Infiniti Limited 9. Brunswick Stores Limited 10. Plus Care Ltd 11. 003 Ltd 12. 0086 Ltd 13. 00Nation Limited 14. 01 Accounting Services Ltd 15. 012 Global Ltd 16. 023 Ltd 17. 0xA Technologies Ltd 18. 1 Ace Training Limited 19. 1 and 1 Rougamo Limited 20. 1 and 5 Tech Ltd 21. 1 Answer Insurance Services Ltd, among others. This move is expected to enhance employment opportunities and foster international collaboration between the UK and Nigeria in various sectors. Interested parties are urged to explore the expanded list for potential job openings and sponsorships.

NiDCOM & BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION COLLABORATE ON DiASPORA PROGRAMMES

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria Dr Richard Montgomery has emphasized the important role of the Nigerian Diaspora in the United Kingdom and pledged more collaboration with the Nigerians in diaspora Commission . He further stressed the need for enhanced trade and investment between both countries. Speaking during a courtesy call to Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and some Management staff in the Office in Abuja , the British High Commissioner stated further that the UK-Africa Summit scheduled to hold in May in the City of London, is a strategic opportunity to galvanize trade and investments for both countries and the African continent at large. He commended Nidcom for initiating programs such as the Diaspora investment summit and several others. Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed collaboration with the British high commission and reiterated Nigerias commitment to continue to enhance engagement with the Diaspora. She also underscored the imperatives of cultural exchanges, advocating the revival of the Cultural Road Show initially slated for 2020 but deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Outlining the Commission’s activities and programmes, Dabiri-Erewa seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of creating comprehensive sensitization and awareness for Nigerians planning to migrate to the UK, “We can’t stop migration, but as a government, we will create an enabling environment; Nigeria and the UK government should have an MOU , particularly on migration of health workers “ she stated. Dabiri-Erewa expressed optimism ahead of the UK- Africa Investment Summit in London, , and the role of the Nigerians in the UK in playing a catalytic role in bolstering partnerships between the UK, Nigeria, and the African continent.

UK Students Launch ‘Career Boycott’ Against Barclays Over Climate Policies

Hundreds of students from prominent UK universities have taken a strong stance against Barclays, initiating a “career boycott” in protest of the bank’s climate policies. The group, comprising over 220 individuals from universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and University College London, has firmly conveyed their refusal to work for Barclays, citing the bank’s refusal to give financial support for fossil fuel companies as the crux of their protest warning that the bank risks losing top talent if it continues these practices. In a formal letter addressed to Barclays, the students highlighted their concerns, asserting that the bank’s purportedly ambitious decarbonization goals contradict its actions, particularly in financing major oil and gas entities like Shell, TotalEnergies, Exxon, and BP. They criticized the discrepancy between Barclays’ professed commitment and the support extended to fossil fuel companies, many of which have scaled back their climate pledges. The students’ letter further emphasized the shifting stances of major oil corporations. Notably, BP revised its emission reduction target from 35% to a range of 20% to 30% by 2030, while ExxonMobil quietly withdrew funding for low-carbon fuel creation using algae. Additionally, Shell reneged on promises to increase investments in renewable energy this year. Their demand to Barclays is clear: cease all financing and underwriting for oil and gas firms, not solely their projects, and substantially increase funding for wind and solar energy initiatives. Michelle Hemmingfield, representing Students Organising for Sustainability UK, underscored the significance of this movement, indicating that Barclays heavily relies on STEM applicants from top universities like Oxbridge for recruitment, posing a potential challenge should the bank persist in financing new oil and gas infrastructure. This “career boycott” compounds Barclays’ existing challenges, following prior scrutiny from climate activists at its AGM and pressure regarding sponsorships and affiliations. The bank’s spokesperson defended its actions, stating alignment with a goal to become a net-zero bank by 2050, emphasizing efforts to collaborate with clients in transitioning toward a low-carbon model. Barclays cited a 32% reduction in emissions financed in the energy sector since 2020 and substantial green financing initiatives, aiming to facilitate $1 trillion in sustainable financing between 2023 and 2030.

UK Opens Temporary Visa Submission Centre In Enugu

The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the opening of a new temporary submission centre for UK visas in Enugu State from Wednesday, September 13. According to a statement by the UK Mission, the facility will operate out of the Omedel Luxury Hotel, 4/6 Link Road off Pascal and Jerk Bustop, Independence Layout, Enugu and will shortly offer a twice-a-week service. UK Launches Temporary Visa Application Centre in Enugu In a bid to enhance accessibility to UK visa services, the British High Commission in Nigeria has unveiled a new temporary submission centre in Enugu State, starting from September 13. Situated at the Omedel Luxury Hotel, 4/6 Link Road, Independence Layout, Enugu, this facility will offer services twice a week, as per the UK Mission’s announcement. Applicants can now choose Enugu as their preferred application location when applying for a UK Visa, in addition to existing centers in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. This temporary submission center in Enugu has been designated as a Premium Location, with a fee of NGN 246,250. This fee includes access to a Premium Lounge appointment, courier return service, SMS notifications, general customer support, and guidance throughout the application process. According to a statement by the British High Commission, it will closely monitor the demand for visa services and review and expand the service if there is sufficient demand. The location will be trialed for a minimum of three months to assess the service’s uptake and determine its continuation. “The appointment system allows an applicant to select Enugu as their application location when applying for a UK Visa. This is in addition to current locations in Abuja. Lagos and Port Harcourt,” the statement read. “The temporary submission centre in Enugu opens as a Premium Location meaning it will cost NGN246,250.00, which includes a Premium Lounge appointment, courier return, SMS notifications, general customer support and guidance.” “TLS will trial this location for at least 3 months to assess uptake of the service and enable decisions on continuation,” the statement concluded.