Despite its economic growth and young population, the country continues to face development challenges. Its economy is heavily dependent on oil, and it faces security challenges from insurgencies and terrorist groups. Simmering ethnic and religious tensions, wealth disparities, a brain drain of talent to higher income countries, and vulnerability to climate change are just some of the issues which confront federal and state governments.

The current and previous UK governments have mentioned Nigeria in several key policy statements, describing it as a “rising power” with which the UK should “deepen investment ties and work together”. The Foreign Secretary has emphasised his desire for a relationship with Africa that prioritises “partnership not paternalism”. Despite this intention, there are still many questions unanswered about what the UK’s policy regarding its development partnership with Nigeria will look like: where its priorities will lie; how it will work with Nigerian Government and society to help tackle the challenges; how it will support a transition away from fossil fuels.

This new inquiry will explore remaining questions over the UK’s development relationship with Nigeria. These could include how the UK can help support Nigeria to develop governance and tackle corruption, how UK investment could help Nigeria transition away from fossil fuels, and how the UK can work with civil society to promote peace in the Sahel.

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