London, United Kingdom — Nigeria’s newly appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, has outlined an ambitious vision to deepen UK–Nigeria relations following high-level discussions with Kate Osamor MP, signalling a renewed focus on diplomacy, diaspora engagement, trade, education and investment.

MP Kate Osamor and Nigeria High Commissioner HE Dalhatu

The meeting reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between both nations, with both sides expressing commitment to expanding cooperation across politics, commerce, security, education and culture. Kate Osamor MP pledged to facilitate stronger engagement between the High Commissioner and Members of Parliament, including opportunities to strengthen dialogue across Westminster.

A central theme of the discussions was the need to reshape Nigeria’s global image by promoting the achievements of Nigerians who continue to excel internationally in medicine, business, technology, academia, law, public service, sports and politics. Both parties agreed that celebrating these success stories would project a more balanced and accurate narrative of Nigeria while encouraging greater international confidence.

The High Commissioner also identified the Nigerian diaspora as one of the country’s greatest strategic assets. Plans were discussed to convene Nigerian professionals, entrepreneurs, academics and public servants across the UK, with Parliament proposed as a platform for showcasing Nigerian excellence, strengthening networks and fostering closer collaboration with British policymakers.

Economic cooperation featured prominently, with Nigeria highlighting reforms aimed at attracting increased British investment into key sectors including energy, telecommunications, agriculture, infrastructure, mining, financial services and critical minerals. Discussions also explored expanding cooperation in security, humanitarian assistance, higher education and parliamentary exchanges.

The meeting further addressed practical issues affecting Nigerians in the UK, including visa accessibility, support for new arrivals, child protection awareness, educational collaboration and mechanisms to encourage greater diaspora participation in Nigeria’s national development.

If fully implemented, the outcomes of these discussions could strengthen bilateral trade, attract new investment, create employment opportunities, improve educational partnerships, enhance diplomatic cooperation, mobilise diaspora expertise and capital, and reinforce Nigeria’s standing as one of Africa’s leading economic and strategic partners of the United Kingdom.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Nigerian High Commission, senior counsellors namely:-

Amb Eche Abu-Obe, Minister/Head of Political Affairs Section

Amb. Mercy Haruna-Adeoye, Head of Chancery

Mrs Zainab Maccido-Hassan, Information, Culture and Sports

Mr Babajide Okunowo, Political Affairs Sectionand invited stakeholders.

Among those present as an observer and diaspora leader was Mentoring Commandant Ambassador Alistair Soyode, of NIDMECORP & TECD Foundation, Ms. Adedoyin Idowu of One, Ms Olayinka of African Brief, alongside other invited participants committed to strengthening UK–Nigeria relations.

The engagement is widely viewed as an encouraging start to Ambassador Dalhatu’s tenure and a foundation for a more dynamic and mutually beneficial UK–Nigeria partnership.