This week, James Heappey MP, the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces, embarked on a visit to Nigeria aimed at bolstering defence collaboration and fostering strategic ties between the two nations. His agenda also encompassed discussions concerning the prevailing situation in Niger.
During his visit, Minister Heappey engaged with prominent defence leaders and military dignitaries in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, he held meetings with key figures within the Nigerian Ministry of Defence, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff.
Minister Heappey had a productive session with the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Commission.
In this interaction, he reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for ECOWAS’ ongoing diplomatic initiatives, which aim to facilitate a peaceful and orderly return to democratic governance in Niger.
The visit of Minister Heappey serves as the commitment of both the United Kingdom and Nigeria to fostering a robust partnership in defence matters and addressing regional concerns, including those pertaining to the stability and democratic transition in Niger.
The Defence Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey MP, said: “I’m delighted to return to Nigeria for the third time in three years.
“The UK and Nigerian armed forces have a longstanding partnership through which we continue to tackle violent extremism and other security threats in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea.
The United Kingdom and Nigeria share a robust and enduring security and defence partnership, rooted in a mutual commitment to advancing regional and global peace and stability.
A central aspect of this relationship involves the UK’s support for enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces. This assistance is aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s capacity to effectively address security challenges and maintain stability.
Nigeria plays a pivotal role in promoting security across the region and combating the spread of violent extremism in West Africa, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin.
The Nigerian Armed Forces play a prominent role as a major contributor to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), underscoring the collective determination of the participating nations to ensure security within the region.
The United Kingdom acknowledges Nigeria’s diplomatic endeavours aimed at facilitating the restoration of democracy in Niger, particularly through its active membership in ECOWAS.
The UK unequivocally condemns the ongoing coup against the legitimately elected leadership of Niger, emphasising its strongest disapproval.
We stand with ECOWAS in condemnation of the illegal detention of President Mohamed Bazoum, his family, and members of the government, as well as the unacceptable conditions under which they are being held, and call for their immediate release
