Atiku Seeks More Collaboration Between Nigeria, UK

PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar presenting a copy of the abridged version of his policy document titled "My Covenant with Nigeria" to the United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing after a meeting with a delegation of the UK High Commission in Nigeria, at Atiku's residence on Monday.

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has called for increased collaboration between the government of the United Kingdom and Nigeria in finding solutions to issues that are of mutual benefit to both countries.

The PDP presidential standard bearer made this call on Monday when a delegation of the British High Commission, led by High Catriona Laing met with him at his residence in Abuja.

According to a statement from Atiku’s media office in Abuja, the meeting discussed a wide range of issues bordering on security, education, agriculture, economy, and fostering national unity in Nigeria.

The High Commissioner noted that the meeting with the former Vice President was part of the ongoing engagement of the UK government to enhance democracy and credible elections in Nigeria.

Responding, Atiku thanked the delegation for the meeting and noted that “the bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has a rich history and is important for both countries to leverage that in order to promote issues that are of mutual concern.”

The Waziri Adamawa stressed that he expects the United Kingdom to play a more active role for the survival of democracy in Nigeria and that he is confident that the presidential election in 2023 will be free and fair.

On the issue of insecurity, Atiku decried the poor state of affairs in the country and solicited UK assistance especially, in the area of training and intelligence sharing.

PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing at a meeting with a delegation of the UK High Commission in Nigeria, at Atiku’s residence on Monday.

On the economy, the former Vice President of Nigeria said that if given the opportunity, he would, among other things, abolish the multiple exchange rate regimes and reduce tax to encourage genuine manufacturers and promote real investments. He also promised to boost agriculture in order to create employment for the country’s teeming population.

Furthermore, the PDP presidential candidate expressed concern over the lingering ASUU strike and the crisis in the educational sector.

He promised to carry out reforms in the education sector, including the reinvigoration of financial loan schemes to Nigerian students.

PBA Reporter