By KINGSLEY OKOYE

The British Government says it is keenly following debates on State Police and Women Representation in Nigeria.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery, said this in Abuja on Tuesday, when he visited President of Senate Godswill Akpabio.

He also said the British government was also interested in ensuring effective social network for the citizenry especially on welfare and enhancing palliatives for Nigerians.

“The reason why I’m here with my delegation for the courtesy call, is that where possible, we would like to understand your vision, your priorities for the 10th National assembly.

“But before I table a few issues for interest and possible conversation, I would just like to make a broader statement about the UK Nigeria relationship.

“Because of course the UK and Nigeria, we have a long standing relationship based on a shared history and we have incredibly strong people to people links between our country.

“We have very significant connections between our democracies and our democratic institutions, whether it’s our parliaments or National assembly,” he said.

He added: “Or it is the Westminster foundation for democracy, or it is the constant exchange between parliamentarians here and parliamentarians in the UK.

“We are watching your debate about issues like State Police, issues like promoting better representation for women in politics and in parliament, issues like the palliatives and social safety nets that need to go alongside the difficult economic reforms.

“But very impressive economic reforms that are being undertaken.

“There may be other constitutional issues that you are debating that it is important for us to understand.

“So, your Excellency, there are many other issues I could raise, but I want to come to an end and give a chance to hear about your priorities.

“Your Excellency, and also some of the issues and challenges that face the legislative agenda and debate over the next few years.”

He said that the British government was also collaborating with President Bola Tinubu led government on security and economic revival.

“After his Excellency, President Bola Tinubu was inaugurated, my foreign secretary had the privilege of being, the first international notable leader to come and call on His Excellency.

“And we agreed then that we should talk more about security defence, we should talk more about investment and trade.

“And I’m delighted to say that in February this year, our two governments signed a renewed security defence partnership and we signed an enhanced trade and investment partnership.

“And then in March we held migration Justice Home Affairs talks, which is a regular annual dialogue,” he said.

He added: “And we have been talking to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about global, regional foreign affairs issues that we need to have a constant dialogue on how to share views between our two sovereign powers.

“So my general statement is that Nigeria and the UK have tried to significantly elevate our engagement and I think that has seen some very important steps forward.”

Akpabio thanked the envoy for the visit.

“We value your input to democratic practice not just in Nigeria but in Africa,” he said.

Akpabio said to further strengthen democracy in Nigeria and by extension in Africa, advice from the envoy was needed from time to time, adding that Nigeria was still in the learning process on practice of democracy.

He said that the 10th National Assembly under his leadership, had a robust legislative agenda that was people’s centred.

He assured that women inclusivity in governance was key to both the 10th National Assembly and Federal Government.

He said what was lost on women inadequate representation through election had been restored via appointments by Tinubu.

Akpabio said the 2022 Electoral Act would be amended for more transparency and credibility of the electoral process. (NAN)

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