The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has emphasized the need to deepen parliamentary collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, calling for policies that ensure mutual benefits and equity for both nations.
Kalu made this call on Thursday during a meeting in Abuja with the UK’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), His Excellency, Lord Collins of Highbury. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, and other officials were also in attendance.
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 the UK 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.”
Kalu’s remarks come amid renewed calls for immigration reforms that consider the longstanding socio-economic ties between both countries, particularly in education, healthcare, and diaspora contributions.
Discover more from Rootedscope Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
