A committee of the United Kingdom Parliament has warned that insecurity, humanitarian challenges, governance problems and low investor confidence could undermine the UK’s strategic partnership with Nigeria.
The warning was contained in a report by the UK Parliament’s International Development Committee, which called on the British Government to adopt a broader and more strategic approach to its development partnership with Nigeria.
The committee said the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, established in 2024, was based on expectations that targeted support would help Nigeria modernise its economy, increase economic growth and reduce its reliance on humanitarian assistance.
However, the lawmakers cautioned that the expected benefits could remain out of reach without stronger efforts to address insecurity, displacement, humanitarian needs and instability.
The committee also urged the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to establish a clear framework for monitoring the implementation of its humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria.
Chair of the committee, Sarah Champion, described the long-term partnership as a major strategic opportunity but warned that its success was not guaranteed.
She said the UK Government needed to take a more strategic view of Nigeria’s challenges and those of the wider region, stressing that without a new approach, the anticipated mutual benefits of the partnership could fail to materialise.
The report also called for a review of factors that could weaken the relationship, including insecurity, governance challenges, humanitarian needs, instability and declining investor confidence.
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