Government
GOV DIRI A UNIQUE UNIFIER, SAYS FORMER FIRST LADY
Wife of former Nigerian president, Dame Patience Jonathan, has described Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, as a leader who has worked tirelessly to unify the state politically. Speaking during the 5th anniversary dinner of the Senator Diri administration, Dame Jonathan noted that since Diri assumed office, there has been unity among past and present leaders of the state across party lines.
The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, issued a statement on the event, which took place at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa on Friday night. In the statement, Dame Jonathan expressed delight over the presence of leaders of the state at the dinner despite political differences, saying it was a testament to the governor’s peaceful and accommodating disposition. Alabrah stated that Dame Jonathan stressed the need for people of the state to close ranks and support the administration, saying a state divided against itself cannot develop.
In a goodwill message, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, praised Diri’s performance, saying he would have been surprised if the governor had performed less than he had done. Alabrah noted that the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, commended Diri for taking the Bayelsa West Senatorial road to Ekeremor main town, saying he can now drive to his village with ease. Daniel Alabrah stated that Governor Douye Diri restated his call on people of the state to unite despite party affiliations to be able to build a greater Bayelsa.
Diri said, “All the previous speakers have said it all. So, all I will say is that we need to unite as a state to make progress. “As our mother (Dame Jonathan) had said, once a governor emerges, we all need to rally round and support him to succeed. As a result of your support and the peace we have in Bayelsa, we have been able to achieve so much. “My dear leaders, we need to downplay the divisive politics we play. Let us have leaders that will not sacrifice blood. The era of killing in Bayelsa is over. Let us look unto God who gives power.”
The governments of the United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a three-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening cooperation against organised immigration crime and enhancing border security.
The initiative was announced in a joint statement issued by the UK Home Office on Thursday, following the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
According to the statement, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organised immigration crime and addressing risks associated with irregular migration, describing border control as a matter of “significant importance” to both nations.
The agreement, signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, outlines measures to curb visa abuse, strengthen legal frameworks, and enhance operational collaboration.
Under the plan, Nigeria is expected to review its legal system to impose stricter penalties for immigration-related offences, particularly those involving the production of fraudulent travel documents. Both countries also pledged to expand legal provisions for prosecuting offenders and tighten regulations around visa and travel documentation.
The partnership will further strengthen the UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit through new Memoranda of Understanding focused on operational engagement and data sharing.
In addition, the United Kingdom will provide training and capacity building for Nigeria’s border security agencies, while both nations will collaborate on protecting vulnerable migrants, especially women and children.
The agreement also includes enhanced research efforts, improved document verification systems, and regular assessments under the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue framework.
Both governments noted that the pact reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding citizens and reinforcing border systems through partnership, mutual support, and shared understanding.
The development comes amid a series of high-level engagements during President Tinubu’s visit, hosted by Charles III, which marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The visit also yielded key agreements, including a £746 million financing deal targeted at modernising Nigeria’s major seaports in Apapa and Tin Can Island, further strengthening economic ties between both nations.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday called for deeper trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as both countries sealed a £746 million agreement to refurbish two major ports in Lagos.
The President made the call during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Describing his state visit as historic, the first by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, Tinubu said the trip marks a significant step in reinforcing longstanding ties between the two nations.
“We cannot forget the institutional development we have enjoyed over the years,” Tinubu said ahead of bilateral talks, noting that discussions would span trade, economic reforms, climate change, terrorism, and broader global challenges.
He emphasised that Nigeria is currently undergoing major economic reforms and expressed optimism about collaborative efforts to improve citizens’ welfare.
“The entire world is facing challenges, and Nigeria is not immune. My priority remains the economy and the welfare of our people, and how we can work together to improve livelihoods,” he said.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Starmer described the visit as historic and highlighted the significance of the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III in honour of the Nigerian delegation.
He reaffirmed the UK’s appreciation of its enduring relationship with Nigeria, pointing to strong people to people ties and ongoing collaboration in the economy, defence, and security sectors.
Starmer added that new agreements on exports and business exchanges reflect a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and expand engagement on global issues.
At Lancaster House, President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu witnessed the formal signing of the £746 million agreement for the modernisation of infrastructure at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
The agreement was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, while Blair McDougall signed on behalf of the British government.
Edun said the deal aligns with Nigeria’s priorities in infrastructure, energy, and industrial development, noting that stronger bilateral partnerships would attract critical investments needed to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
He added that the agreement reflects growing confidence and mutual trust between both nations, as well as a shared commitment to delivering tangible economic benefits for their citizens.
The governments of United Kingdom and Nigeria have signed a landmark £746 million agreement to modernise two of Nigeria’s major seaports, in a move expected to strengthen bilateral trade and create thousands of skilled jobs in both countries.
The deal, announced on Thursday, March 19, is backed by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and will fund the redevelopment of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos.
The financing will be delivered through UKEF’s Buyer Credit Facility, coordinated by Citibank (London branch), with the agreement involving the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance.
Officials say the project represents one of the largest recent trade and investment partnerships between both countries. At least £236 million of the total value will go to British companies through supply contracts.
A major beneficiary is British Steel, which secured a record £70 million contract to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel billets for the project. The materials will be used by construction firms Hitech Nigeria and ITB Nigeria.
UK Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle, described the agreement as a significant boost for UK manufacturing and a testament to the growing economic ties between both nations.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the project aligns with the federal government’s strategy to unlock the country’s maritime potential.
He noted that modernising the ports would reduce vessel turnaround time, cut cargo delays, and lower logistics costs for businesses, while improving transparency through automation and digitalisation.
According to him, the upgrades will position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa, while boosting revenue generation and easing trade operations.
Alongside the ports agreement, both countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening long-term cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and investment.
The MoU outlines Nigeria’s priority projects that could receive future UKEF-backed financing, while opening more opportunities for UK companies to participate in Nigeria’s supply chain.
Chief Executive Officer of UKEF, Tim Reid, said the agreement demonstrates the agency’s capacity to support large-scale international projects while driving growth for UK businesses.
Also speaking, Citi’s Global Head of Export and Agency Financing, Richard Hodder, highlighted the bank’s long-standing presence in Nigeria and its role in facilitating the deal.
The agreement signals growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and reinforces the country’s commitment to expanding trade partnerships and improving its logistics backbone.
Analysts say the project could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s port efficiency and overall economic competitiveness, while strengthening its position as a key trade gateway in Africa.