UK Envoy Says Brexit vote Presents Nigerian Companies Opportunity to enter UK Market

John Howell, the United Kingdom (UK) Trade and Investment Envoy to Nigeria, has said that Britain will strengthen its trade ties with Nigeria.

Howell, who made this known at a “Bell Ringing ceremony” at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Lagos on Wednesday, said that British Government is ready to invest in Nigerian market.

He said that Nigerian market had a lot of untapped business potential, and stressed the need for more trade collaboration between the two countries.

The envoy added that the recent Brexit vote in UK is a major opportunity for African countries to have more stakes in the UK economy.

“It is also good opportunity for Nigerian companies to get involved in the UK market.

We have to look at the increased prosperity in both sides as being one great thing that I will want to achieve.

The first thing UK government has done is to appoint me as the trade envoy to Nigeria,” he said.

The envoy said that the decision of the UK government showed the importance it attached to Nigeria.

Howell explained that there is a dedicated department in the UK that helps to galvanise business relationships between UK and other trade partners.

He called on the government to leverage opportunities in the capital market to grow the economy.

On the issue of insurgency in Nigeria, Howell assured that UK government will continue to collaborate with Nigeria in tackling Boko Haram and incessant militant attack in North-East and Niger Delta, respectively.

“What you will see is greater focus on the need to make the best of the opportunities that exist here. The assistance Nigeria is getting in fighting corruption and insecurity in the North will continue,” he said.