an Inquiry and called for submissions of evidence from organisations and individuals with expertise
and interest on Nigeria as it seeks to dive deeper on the Nigeria – UK relationship, particularly in
light of ‘The Integrated Review’.
The newly merged Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has been set up to
work strategically to tackle the world’s greatest challenges in a modern and innovative way. The
vision for the new department and for the UK’s role in the world is what is contained in the
Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, titled ‘Global Britain in a
competitive world’. It is the most comprehensive and far-reaching foreign and security policy
strategy published by a British Government in decades.
The Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) is an influential parliamentary body which examines the
expenditure, administration and policy of the FCDO. It is chaired by Tom Tugendhat MP who has
personal knowledge and experience of Nigeria.
Nigeria is an increasingly important ally and trading partner to the UK, and is undoubtedly a key
player in the fields of frontier technology, pharmaceuticals and public health, and in the balance of
power in West Africa and the Sahel. However it is a nation that is facing very significant challenges
which need to be addressed comprehensively and fairly.
PSJ UK submitted evidence to the Inquiry and preferred solutions in our recommendations which will
see the prioritisation of Security, Human Rights and the taking seriously of the government’s
’responsibility to protect’ as these serve as a foundational platform upon which both The UK and
Nigeria can build on post-brexit opportunities in the areas of Trade, Development and Common
Security.
The FCDO declares that ‘we want to see a world that is safe for open and free societies to thrive, and
we are confident and ambitious about our role as a protector of human rights and a beacon of
democratic sovereignty…’ PSJ UK applauds these intentions and will work with the FCDO and The
FAC to actualise a prosperous Nigeria where Security, Democracy and the Rule of Law reigns.
The next stage of the FAC Inquiry is the taking of Oral Submission starting with a session on:
Date Tuesday 20 July 2021. Time 3.30pm (Public session).
Witnesses scheduled to give evidence are:
- Aisha Raheem-Bolarinwa, Founder and Vision Director, Farmz2u;
- Yasmin Belo-Osagie, Co-Founder and Board Chair, She Leads Africa, Director, FSDH Asset Management;
- Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founder and Director, Plentywaka
To watch the session via Parliament.TV click on this link:
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/8741b566-74e5-4ea3-bf60-c601dc6861e