A Downing Street spokesperson said:
“Prime Minister met President Muhammadu Buhari
of Nigeria in Abuja today during her three-day visit to Africa.
“The leaders agreed that the UK and Nigeria are strong partners
bilaterally and in the Commonwealth, and that our mutual security
and prosperity is strengthened by our close cooperation.
“The leaders agreed to build on our growing commercial ties,
including through a new Economic Development Forum to help us
identify and overcome barriers to trade and investment.
“The PM talked about how the UK will step up investment into
Nigeria as part of its ambition to be the G7’s number one
investor in Africa by 2022, including through CDC.
“The Prime Minister welcomed the progress towards securing a
significant investment into oil and gas in Bonga South West, and
reiterated the importance of the President’s continued leadership
in securing the final agreement.
“Nigeria’s stability matters to the UK, and the work we’re doing
together to tackle shared threats helps to keep our people safe.
Today the leaders witnessed the signing of the first UK-Nigeria
security and defence partnership which will formalise and expand
this cooperation.
“They also discussed the importance of human rights and the need
to ensure our joint work on security is in line with
international standards.
“The Prime Minister welcomed Nigeria’s efforts at a national and
regional level to combat illegal migration and human trafficking,
and their support for the Call to Action to end modern slavery
which was launched by the PM at UNGA last year.
“She thanked President Buhari for championing this agenda,
including through his chairing of the Economic Community of West
African States and his commitment to use Nigeria’s influence to
promote African leadership on these issues.
“Finally, the leaders discussed Nigeria’s forthcoming elections
and agreed they must be fair, credible and peaceful, and free
from interference.
“The Prime Minister and President agreed to continue working in
partnership to ensure our bilateral relationship and regional
cooperation go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
