UK Deputy High Commissioner deepens UK-Nigeria partnership, concludes visit to Kwara

*The UK Government says the visit of Gill Lever, OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, to Kwara State has reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria at the state level

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Gill Lever, OBE, British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, has concluded a three‑day visit to Kwara State, from 11 to 13 May 2026.

The UK Mission said Lever’s visit to the state reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Nigeria at state level.

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The British High Commission (BHC) also said the recent visit included meetings with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and First Lady Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq; a visit to the Ilorin Innovation Hub.

The Mission further noted the engagements with civil society organisations and religious leaders; a radio interview on Diamond 88.8 FM; and a courtesy call on the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Ibrahim Sulu‑Gambari.

The visit builds on the momentum of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s historic State Visit to the United Kingdom March 2026, the first by a Nigerian President in 37 years, which secured a £746 million ports deal, deepened economic partnerships, and delivered new commitments on security cooperation, the BHC stated:

It also explained that during Lever’s meeting with Governor AbdulRazaq, the Deputy High Commissioner discussed opportunities to strengthen economic ties and create sustainable jobs in Kwara State.

She highlighted the UK’s Manufacturing Africa programme, which is already providing technical assistance to two Kwara‑based companies, Bespoke Design Concepts and Bacita Sugar Company, helping them attract investment, expand operations, and create jobs.

Lever as well raised the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers duty‑free or near duty‑free access to the UK market for around 3,000 Nigerian products, including shea, cashew and sesame — crops in which Kwara has strong potential.

The Deputy High Commissioner encouraged the state government to help raise awareness of the scheme among local producers, cooperatives and exporters so they can fully benefit from the preferential access it offers.

Besides, a dedicated meeting with First Lady Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq focused on women’s economic empowerment, the Special Seats Bill, and efforts at ending violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The Mission said the UK had supported the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, currently chaired by the First Lady, for four consecutive years, providing technical and financial support for its VAWG advocacy work.