UK Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Stability In Nigeria’s Northeast

The United Kingdom has reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and long-term solutions in Nigeria’s Northeast region, which has been devastated by insurgency for years.

British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever made the pledge during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri on Monday.

Lever praised Governor Zulum for his unwavering efforts to combat the insurgency and provide vital assistance to the people of Borno State, particularly those displaced by the ongoing conflict.

“On behalf of the British Government, I recognise His Excellency, the Governor’s, efforts to combat insurgency and support the people of Borno State, with a particular focus on ensuring a prosperous future for those displaced by insurgency,” Atkinson said.

“I want to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and long-term solutions, particularly through the ongoing regional stabilisation facility.”

The UK’s commitment demonstrates the international community’s ongoing concern about the humanitarian crisis and security challenges plaguing the region.

Lever’s reference to a “regional stabilisation facility” most likely refers to a program aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and promoting long-term recovery.

Responding on behalf of Governor Zulum, the Secretary to the Borno State Government thanked the UK Government for its ongoing partnership and support.

“We have a number of very strong partnerships, starting with the UK government. His Excellency appreciates it, and he has specifically directed me to convey the special message of appreciation,” he stated.

Several key figures from the Borno State Government attended the meeting, highlighting the importance of the UK’s engagement with the state.

These included the Commissioner for Environment, Engr Emet Kois; Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe; Work and Housing, Engr Mustapha Gubio; Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga; Inter-Governmental and Special Duties, Tukur Shani; and Special Adviser on Security to the Governor.

Abdullahi Ishaq, the Governor’s Senior Technical Assistant, Political, Alhaji Tahiru Shettima; Danjuma Ali, the Permanent Secretary of Political and Cabinet; and Babakura Mamman Gada, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response (BOACSDHR), were also present.

The reaffirmation of the UK’s commitment gives a much-needed boost to ongoing efforts to rebuild the Northeast and address the devastating impact of the insurgency, bringing hope for a more peaceful and sustainable future for the region and its people.