30th August, 2010
Nigeria and Britain are set to strengthen their partnership on migration, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, the Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said on Sunday in Abuja.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that officials of both countries would meet in London in September to discuss migration issues “as part of constant dialogue to strengthen the partnership.”
Uhomoibhi described the bilateral relations as vibrant, saying that Britain had the largest concentration of Nigerians in Europe.
He said the partnership was aimed at resolving migration and consular issues which could threaten the cordial relations between both nations.
“Dialogue is needed to improve migration partnership. Our bi-national agreements is strong and prosperous, and we must do nothing to endanger these relations.
“It is not only in Nigeria’s interest but also in Britain’s interest that we must remain constantly engaged to address these little irritants that can pose a threat to our relations,” the permanent secretary said.
Uhomoibhi said the issue of Nigerians serving jail terms in Britain would be addressed, among other migration issues.
NAN reports that Nigeria and Switzerland in July also concluded plans to strengthen their policy on migration with a view to addressing immigration and other consular challenges.