….. As Ekwunife, UK Political Chief Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Push for Women Inclusion, Reforms
By Tony Ezike
Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife has called for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with a strong emphasis on inclusive governance, sustained economic reforms, and collective action on security challenges.
The Senator made the call during a high-level engagement with the Political Section of the British High Commission, led by its Head of Political Section, Lucy Green, during a courtesy visit to Senator Ekwunife’s office in Abuja. The meeting, which lasted about an hour, formed part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to strengthen political and strategic relations between both countries.
Speaking during the session, Lucy Green described the UK–Nigeria relationship as long-standing and institution-driven, noting that it transcends individual political office holders. She highlighted recent high-level engagements between both nations as critical milestones in reinforcing bilateral cooperation, further disclosing that the UK hosts only two State Visits annually; an indication of the strategic importance attached to Nigeria, while noting that such engagements often require years of planning.
The British envoy emphasized the role of Nigeria’s large diaspora population in the UK, estimated at about one million people, in strengthening economic, cultural, and political ties between both nations. She explained that the Political Section of the High Commission is tasked with monitoring political developments, providing policy advisory reports to the UK Government, and engaging stakeholders across Nigeria, with operational presence in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. Green also noted that Nigeria is gradually entering an active electoral cycle, stressing the importance of sustained engagement with key actors to better understand evolving political dynamics.
A major highlight of the engagement was Senator Ekwunife’s strong advocacy for increased female participation in politics. She identified systemic challenges facing women, including intimidation, harassment, financial exclusion, and reputational attacks, which she said continue to discourage active participation.
Ekwunife proposed a visa ban for men who slander women in order to slow them down or stop them from competing actively against male politicians. She called on the international community and embassies to extend VISA restrictions to people who intentionally malign, slander and blackmail women who show interest and capacity in politics.
She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing a number of women into his cabinet, describing it as a signal of his commitment to ensuring adequate involvement of women in leadership and national assignments.
In response, Green noted that the UK Government places women and girls at the center of its foreign policy agenda, assuring that the concerns raised would be considered in ongoing policy engagements.
On Nigeria’s economic direction, Senator Ekwunife expressed support for recent reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as necessary and long overdue. She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for introducing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) (often referred to as the CNG Initiative), Consumer Credit Scheme, Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (Nano-businesses), Infrastructure Support Fund, Agricultural Support for farmers and National Minimum Wage Increase.
The Senator noted that the reform has improved resource availability across the federation, while the financial autonomy for local governments is strengthening grassroots governance, though she cautioned that such reforms require time and sustained support to yield tangible results.
Addressing security challenges, Ekwunife emphasized that national security requires a collective approach involving government, security agencies, and citizens. She stressed the importance of credible intelligence from communities, noting that in an unconventional warfare, citizen participation and cooperation remains critical to effective security operations.
Green reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through technical collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual learning in addressing security concerns.
Ekwunife highlighted the South-East region as a hub of commerce, innovation, and leadership, urging Green to visit the South-East Governors, as well as other regions, as she expressed interest in visiting different regions of Nigeria to gain first-hand understanding of the country’s diversity. Both parties also exchanged views on global issues, including security and migration, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
In their closing remarks, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and collaboration. The meeting resolved to strengthen cooperation on women’s political inclusion, security, immigration, governance, and electoral monitoring, while expanding diplomatic engagement across Nigeria’s regions. The engagement underscores growing efforts to deepen UK–Nigeria relations and promote policies aimed at democratic stability, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.
