The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had a telephone conversation with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for International Development and Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ms. Kirsty McNeill (MP), today, Wednesday, 09 September 2026.
During their discussion, the Honourable Minister congratulated Ms. McNeill on her new ministerial appointment, noting that her experience would be very valuable in further deepening the longstanding and steadily growing relations between Nigeria and the UK.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored the strategic importance of Nigeria-UK ties and noted the renewed momentum in bilateral cooperation following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s historic State Visit to the UK in March 2026.
The Honourable Minister encouraged greater UK support for Nigerian businesses seeking access to the UK market and stressed the need to reduce regulatory barriers to bilateral trade and investment. She also requested the speedy processing of student visas for Nigerians seeking to study in the UK, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation in education and capacity building.
She commended the robust Nigeria-UK Security and Defence Partnership and called for continued UK support to Nigeria in combating terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, cybercrime, illicit finance and other transnational threats.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed her readiness to work closely with Ms. McNeill to further strengthen bilateral engagement for the mutual benefit of both countries and their peoples.
Ms. McNeill appreciated the Honourable Minister and aligned with her on the growing state of the Nigeria-UK partnership. She acknowledged prospects for improved cooperation between the two countries and assured the Honourable Minister of her support and cooperation in advancing Nigeria-UK relations.
Ms. McNeill and the Honourable Minister also discussed elections into international organisations. Reciprocal arrangements between candidates of the two countries were considered, and both sides agreed to sustain cooperation and mutual understanding in this area.
The meeting ended on a cordial note, with both Ministers reaffirming their unwavering commitment to working together in advancing Nigeria-UK relations.
Signed:
Oluwafemi Adeniyi
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Wednesday, 09 September 2026
