President Buhari departs Abuja on trip to London

President Muhammadu Buhari has departed Abuja for London today to participate in the inaugural UK-Africa Investment Summit holding on January 20.

According to the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the summit is hosted by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and it is expected to bring together African leaders, international business chief executives, and heads of international organisations.

It was earlier reported that the president had earlier performed some official assignments, including his meeting with security chiefs, before leaving the presidential villa for the London trip.

“Apart from highlighting new perspectives on UK-Africa Partnership for Prosperity, issues of Sustainable Finance and Infrastructure; Trade and Investment; Future African Growth Sectors and Clean Energy and Climate, are expected to dominate presentations and discussions during the Summit.

“With the expected take-off of the African Continental Free Trade Area in mid-2020, the London investment summit will provide Nigeria with the opportunity to project itself as a leading investment destination for new industries.

“In addition, the summit will deepen Nigeria-United Kingdom investment ties post-Brexit given that Africa currently represents just two per cent of British trade activity, with Nigeria accounting for only 10 per cent of that total,” Adesina stated.

He further disclosed that the Nigerian delegation to the investment meeting will showcase what the Federal Government had done through policies and legislations to improve the investment and business climate in the country.

President Buhari is accompanied by Governors Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya and Okezie Ikpeazu of Gombe and Abia States.

While in the United Kingdom, President Buhari will hold a meeting with the Head of the Commonwealth, Prince Charles in Glasgow, Scotland.

President Buhari and his delegation will also have bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Johnson as well as heads of multilateral organisations.

He is expected back in Abuja next Thursday.