TheCable

Nick Hurd, British minister for international development, on Thursday said his government annually supported Nigeria’s development programmes with £400 million (N128.8b) on an annual basis.

Hurd disclosed this to NAN in Lagos, saying the fund was meant to support the provision of basic services that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

“Nigeria is a very important partner to the people and government of the United Kingdom,” he said.

“We annually invest about 400 million pounds in supporting the development of Nigeria, as well as improving the quality of life of the Nigerian people.

“We have been delivering basic education and health services that would help Nigerian children educationally, as well as helping Nigerians to have access to quality medical care.”

Hurd said he was visiting Nigeria to see for himself how UK‘s development support for Nigeria was working, as well as assess Nigeria’s current progresses.

The minister, who was on his first trip to Nigeria, also announced his government’s interest in making sure that Nigeria is a good place to do business.

Hurd said his government was committed to making Nigeria a business destination and an investment country, which would create job opportunities for young Nigerians.

“We are currently working with the Nigerian government and many private organisations in doing programmes, and providing advice, looking at Nigeria’s laws and regulations,” he said.

“This is with a view to making Nigeria a better place for foreigners and Nigerians to do business.

“We are also looking at the possibilities of making sure that Nigeria has a good government, more transparency, accountability and less corruption.”

The minister also restated his government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in her effort at ending the activities of Boko Haram in the north-east, through training of the Nigeria military.