The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has revealed the United Kingdom’s interest in forging a strategic partnership with Abia State to bolster Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
During a two-day visit to Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on August 20-21, Dr. Montgomery engaged in high-level discussions with Governor Alex Otti, government officials, and business leaders. Speaking about his visit, Montgomery stated, “Visiting Abia State for the first time was a great opportunity to engage with key stakeholders. Abia is crucial to boosting Nigeria’s economic prosperity, and the UK is committed to driving that growth.”
The High Commissioner emphasized the UK’s dedication to developing a robust partnership with the Abia State government and its citizens to enhance regional prosperity.
Mark Smithson, the UK’s Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The UK’s Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria is well-positioned to support Abia State in driving trade and economic growth. We look forward to building on our discussions, strengthening ties, and exploring collaborative opportunities that will benefit both nations.”
During the visit, Dr. Montgomery and his delegation attended the graduation ceremony of the State-Level Inclusive Digital Transformation Programme, funded by the UK’s Digital Access Programme (DAP). This initiative aims to bridge the digital skills gap among Abia’s civil servants.
The High Commissioner also toured the Geometric Power Company, met with the team behind the Abia Innovation Industrial Park, and visited the Aba Chamber of Commerce. His discussions focused on potential growth opportunities and partnerships between UK businesses and local enterprises.
The UK delegation, which included Mark Smithson and Tom Burge, the British High Commission’s Political Counsellor, also visited the National War Museum in Umuahia, highlighting the importance of cultural and historical ties between the two nations.
