The visiting British Minister for
International Development, Mr Nick Hurd, on Thursday said that his
government annually supported Nigeria’s development programmes with
400 million pounds (about N128.8b).

 Hurd, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos,
said that the fund was meant to support the provision of basic
services that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

 ``Nigeria is a very important partner to the people and government of
the United Kingdom.

 ``We annually invest about 400 million pounds (about N128.8b) in supporting
the development of Nigeria, as well as improving the quality of life of
the Nigerian people.

 ``We have been delivering basic education and health services that
would help Nigerian children educationally, as well as helping
Nigerians to have access to quality medical care,’’ he said.

 The British official said that he was visiting to see for himself how
UK‘s development support for Nigeria was working on the ground, as
well as assess Nigeria’s current progresses.

 The Minister, who was visiting Nigeria for the first time, also
announced his government’s interest in making sure that Nigeria was a
good place to do business.

 Hurd said that his government was committed to making Nigeria a
business destination and an investment country, which would create job
opportunities for young Nigerians.

 ``We are currently working with the Nigerian Governments and many
private organisations in doing programmes, and providing advice, looking
at Nigeria’s laws and regulations.

 ``This is with a view to making Nigeria a better place for foreigners
and Nigerians to do business.

 ``We are also looking at the possibilities of making sure that Nigeria
has a good government, more transparency, accountability and less
corruption,’’ he said.

 The Minister also restated his government’s commitment to supporting
Nigeria in her effort at ending the activities of Boko Haram in the North
East, through training of the Nigeria military.

 He said that his government was aware that without peace and security,
there would not be prosperity and development anywhere.(NAN)