Spread the word In order to fast track fruitful bilateral relations between the two countries, Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The MoUs cover Migration Partnership; Statement of Intent on Cooperation on Organised Immigration Crime and Border Security; and a Statement of Intent on the Expansion of Business Visas for U.K. companies working with Nigeria. The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, signed two of the MoUs Wednesday evening and the third, Thursday, while representing the federal government of Nigeria. In a statement released by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, he said the agreement reflected the country’s commitment to a migration framework that was transparent and respectful of national interests and international obligations. He said, “This partnership is a testament to our shared determination to build a migration system that is safe, orderly, and mutually beneficial. “We are not here to be diplomatic but to integrate and tell you that in the next one year all we want to be able to do is to reveal how far we have gone in being successful. And hopefully this will be a template for other bilateral understandings.” The minister acknowledged that Nigeria had an existing working relationship with the U.K. Home Office in Nigeria. “This relationship with the U.K. means a lot to us and you can see the level of commitment that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in,” Tunji-Ojo said. He reiterated that Nigeria remained steadfast in its duty to protect citizens while ensuring that those who abused legal pathways or engaged in criminality were held accountable. While signing on the expansion of business visas for U.K. companies, Tunji-Ojo said “following the bold reforms of President Tinubu, the use of visa serves as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Nigeria.” “Regarding visa agreement, personally as the Minister of Interior, I can tell you that I am very happy with this, because for us, this is what we have been looking forward to. “I want to assure you on behalf of Mr. President and the great people of Nigeria, that we are open for endless possibilities of growth and socio-economic development. “So, be rest assured that we will be true to this, we will swing into action and ensure all barriers are removed.” Responding, the U.K. Home Secretary, Rt. Hon. Shabana Mahmood, said Nigeria would always be categorised as number one in successful bilateral relations. “We are obviously always having bilateral discussions with other countries, however, you will always be number one because you are the first to have gotten such an extensive agreement and we really do appreciate it. “I think we both understand one another and I think we have a shared vision here for the work that our countries can do together and I really do appreciate it,” he said. During the signing of the third MoU, the U.K. Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi, said the agreement on expansion of business visas for U.K. companies had clear benefits for both countries. Eshalomi attributed the heightened partnership to the bold step that was vital for economic growth for Africa’s largest and thriving economy, Nigeria.