UK Prime Minister Approves £750m Export Credit Facility for Lagos

British Prime Minister, Theresa May, yesterday, visited Lagos, disclosing availability of export credit finance to the tune of 750 million pound sterling as well as a considerable development finance, which Lagos State could access from the United Kingdom.
May, who left Lagos for Kenya, stressed the achievement recorded by the state, underscored the commercial importance of Lagos in Nigeria.

She arrived the Presidential wing of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 4.18 pm amid tight security a The British Prime Minister disclosed the available fund during a separate meeting with Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja which was also attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule and other members of the state executive council. According to May, an export credit finance of £750 million and other considerable development finance were available and Lagos State could look towards such.

The British Prime Minister also noted the special strength of the London City as a financial hub that could be of considerable importance for Lagos State, just as she emphasized sustainability and growth in Britain/Lagos relationship. Earlier, Governor Ambode emphasised that Lagos remained a place of choice for British investors especially given that stability in the government, the site of Lagos economy and population, the particular focus of his administration on the rule of law and justice sector reform. Security personnel deployed to strategic areas around the Presidential wing prevented aviation reporters from gaining access to the wing.

The major road linking the local wing of the airport to the international section was adored, at intervals, with Nigeria and the British flags and security personnel, especially the conventional police deployed at different locations. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule; Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello; his Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs, Prof. Ademola Abass, Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgar and others to receive the Prime Minister at the MMA.

After a brief closed-door meeting, with Ambode, the visiting Prime Minister immediately, departed in company of British delegation, including the UK Minister of Trade, George Hollingberry, the Minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, who is also Minister of State at the Department for International Development and the Mayor of London for other scheduled events in the state. However, the move by correspondents for a media chat with the Prime Minister was rebuffed by security personnel and officials, who claimed security routine as an excuse. Meanwhile, Theresa May later met with the Salvation Army in Lagos on how to tackle the scourge of human trafficking and modern slavery.

August 30, 2018