Bob Dewar

Towards achieving the Arms Trade Treaty

The UK's goal to achieve an international Arms Trade Treaty reminds me of the extent to which small arms- as well as more sophisticated weapons- are damaging peace and development in Africa, not least in Nigeria's Niger Delta. The UK has been supporting efforts to stop the flow of small arms across the whole of the West African region, including into Nigeria.

Unfortunately gangs are still able to get small arms and to use them to try to extort money by illegally 'bunkering' crude oil or by kidnapping innocent people. Of course there needs to be development and better governance and human rights (the communities in the Niger Delta need to see the benefits of the oil and gas revenue produced in their areas) and a political settlement and a cease-fire and better security.

But the illicit arms trade, often financed by proceeds of criminality or drugs, is helping prevent a breakthrough. Young people everywhere in Nigeria need development, training, education, jobs. They need a better life, not guns.

Posted at 15:29 17 June 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

House of Commons Committee visits Nigeria

The international Development Committee of the House of Commons are here to review the DFID programme in Nigeria and also to look at urban poverty. What better way to start than to look at the issues facing Lagos, the mega-city of West Africa and one of the largest in the world. Urban poverty is often forgotten in Africa but ever more people are migrating to cities looking for a better life.

Lagos has particular issues because it is very low-lying near the sea. Transport provides special problems- there are already some amazing motorways over the swamps. Affordable housing and other services are also needed on a large scale.

The UK through DFID is already helping the State to fast track legal processes in courts and land registry. Basic issues for development. But one real headache confronting the city right now is how to plan best for sea level rise in the face of global warming. We want to help the dynamic State government in confronting such challenges.

Posted at 08:57 16 June 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

The Media: Giving information and helping to improve transparency and accountability.

Had an interesting few days meeting some of the media companies I had not visited before. This is a growing industry, with many newspapers now on line and many TV companies broadcast around Africa and the world.

There are issues as in most countries (eg it’s useful to know who owns what which helps explain the angle they take sometimes).  In general the media here are so important in giving citizens information and in helping improve transparency and accountability. Ever freer access to information must be a priority in this new democratic phase.

Posted at 14:12 10 June 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

UK Heads of Mission from West Africa meets in Abuja

A special event this week- the getting together in Abuja of all the UK Heads of Mission from up and down West Africa. The idea is to work better together; to work better with our other international friends; and above all to support ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) to operate more effectively.

We believe in helping building Africa's capacity to sort out its own problems. ECOWAS are taking the lead regionally in keeping peace and security, in building post-conflict stability and democracy and in promoting trade and regional integration. There are new threats like drugs and terrorism undermining the region - and also the difficulties posed by the global economic recession.

So it's more important than ever that ECOWAS exerts influence on its states to meet internationally acceptable standards. Making sure states act constitutionally and that there is no reversion to military regimes is one key task. Bringing about free and fair elections, with independent electoral institutions within an increasingly accountable and transparent system which citizens can trust, is another.

And a third is to continue to improve the free movement of goods and people within the region, and to encourage more effective engagement with the rest of the world, to stimulate competition, investment and improved jobs and wealth for its citizens. We're keen to help on all these in a genuine partnership, as we made clear to Dr Chambas the President of the Commission and to the Foreign Minister of Nigeria- the country currently Chairing ECOWAS.

Posted at 16:17 02 June 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Sport is such a great way of empowering young people

Had an interesting chat with the Minister of Sport.  Sport is such a great way of empowering young people and getting communities involved, as well as bringing countries together. 

Minister has good ideas for improving facilities throughout the country, not just for football but for all sports.  Nigeria has such potential!  I explained how we hope that the Olympics in London will help bring about a "heritage" effect in many of our important partner countries such as Nigeria, e.g. helping bring sport into disadvantaged schools and improving the curricula, training etc. 

I also gave him a first hand account of the exciting launch last week at Wembley of the England 2018 World Cup bid which had been attended by David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and many of the 1966 team.

Not only does England already have great infrastructure, but also it has tremendous passion for the game on the part of its fans and communities at all levels.  Again, rather like the Olympics, it will be a tremendous event for the international community as well as for the UK.

Posted at 10:12 28 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

The solar alternative

Also visited a company making solar panel/ power packs. Already making an impact in terms of powering fridges for vaccines, with great potential for street lights, small businesses, offices, isolated communities etc.

The national power grid is not working well up here and many operations in Kano are on 24 hour generators.

Posted at 10:26 19 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[1]

Discussion about the environment

While still in Kano, chaired a workshop organised at the lovely British Council office about the impact of climate change on the North. Many experts talked grimly about desertification; urgent need for new energy sources to reduce pressure on wood; and the way the Koran and the Bible support the environment and planting of trees.

Education, awareness, understanding the extent of the problem, changing attitudes, getting community 'ownership', were all themes that emerged.  What's clear is that adapting to the impact of climate change should be a big agenda for the North. We'll do what we can to help.

Posted at 10:09 19 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Kano, great northern city and crossroads

Visited Kano again, Nigeria's great Northern city and crossroads. Called on the Governor. Discussions included what the UK is doing to help tackle health and education challenges, including malaria and polio, getting girls into school and supporting introduction of modern syllabus- useful to young people when looking for jobs- into Islamic schools.

Also called on His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano.

Posted at 09:57 19 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Peace, safety and living in harmony is the way forward

Visited Bauchi, made the same points to the Governor and his team and to His Royal Highness, The Emir of Bauchi, expressing concern about the violence, saying that all citizens should have equal rights and all those responsible for ethnic and religious violence should be brought to justice.

Both agreed, quoting the Bible and Koran and saying peace and safety and living in harmony was the way forward.  

Visited the tomb of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Also visited Yankari wildlife reserve, which has had a lot of recent investment from the State, including a new road and upgraded accommodation. Beautiful hot springs make it different. I would say it has particular potential to attract bird lovers.

The elephants (over 300?) were dispersed because of the recent rains. Very old caves and iron smelting show this was a centre for very early human civilisation.

Posted at 13:09 18 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

One team, working together for progress in Nigeria

On 4 May, signed a joint mission statement with colleagues Eamon Cassidy of DFID and Peter Upton of the British Council. The main message is that we are one team, working together for progress and positive change in Nigeria.

Text: " MISSION STATEMENT

We believe progress in Nigeria contributes to a better Britain. We want a true partnership with Nigeria and with Africa.

Our values are those of service, mutual respect, integrity, professionalism, dignity and honesty. We believe in valuing diversity and in working as one committed team.

We will act as a bridge between our countries and peoples. We believe the UK in Nigeria should work innovatively for positive change, understanding and co-operation.

We will share our values, knowledge, experience, skills and technology, encouraging international rules-based standards and thereby helping our partners transform their country, economy and institutions so that all Nigerians can have a better quality of life.

The work of many of us is to provide fast, efficient and effective high quality services and support. We want to minimise bureaucracy, take necessary risks and deliver- but not to compromise on standards.  

In partnership with stakeholders in Nigeria and West Africa, we are working for faster progress towards the Millennium Development Goals; equitable wealth creation and sustainable lower carbon growth; better governance and democratic standards; good management of bona fide migration; prevention of conflict and promotion of peace and security; prevention of radicalisation and terrorism; and stronger bilateral, regional and international co-operation against serious crime, without fear or favour, including money laundering, trafficking of drugs or people.  

In the process we aim to improve perceptions of the UK and to encourage constructive Nigerian leadership in Africa.

We seek to empower our staff and catalyse their personal potential within a healthy work-life balance and a safe and happy environment.

We hope, in this way, to make a real difference.

Bob Dewar   Eamon Cassidy   Peter Upton
High Commissioner  Head of DfID Nigeria  British Council Director

MAY 2009 "

Drove to Kaduna for a lively evening reception for over a hundred young people from all over the North, many of them University students, who have been involved in debates and outreach and dialogue organised by the 'Bridgebuilders' organisation which we support.

The Bridgebuilders, who are ecumenical and inter-faith, are helping open the minds of youngsters to the need for peaceful dialogue and understanding as the way of resolving ethnic, religious or other differences, rather than violence and conflict. It was great to hear directly from the young people how they believe in these principles.

This has to be an important message in the North and Middle of Nigeria where many different ethnic and religious groups (Muslim and Christian) live in close proximity and where there is also competition for resources and sometimes political power.

Tragically many lives were lost from violence in Jos some months ago- which followed controversial local elections- and also in Bauchi.

Posted at 12:25 18 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Nigeria and the Copenhagen climate change negotiations

Visited Calabar the capital of Cross Rivers State, which has the highest remaining amount of Tropical High Forest in Nigeria (unfortunately only an estimated 4% of what there once was is still remaining and 60% of that is in Cross Rivers). Commendably the State government has launched a policy to prevent illegal logging.

But a round table with stakeholders revealed plenty of challenges - including the need for an inventory to know what forests remain and their boundaries; pressure from farmers; the consequent need for community engagement and alternative livelihoods; and the problem of how to involve legitimate private sector in value-added wood businesses. 

I focused most of my discussions with the Governor, the Commissioner of Environment and the stakeholders on the need for Nigeria to be fully involved in a balanced way in the Copenhagen climate change negotiations. Because if we - collectively - don't get an ambitious deal agreed, thus keeping global temperature rises below 2 degrees C,  then the prospects for tropical forests look ever bleaker.

I explained that deforestation should be on the table and part of the future carbon market - and outlined the other issues that we think need to be part of that Copenhagen deal, aimed at getting global emissions to peak and start falling in the next 10 years or so.

Posted at 15:31 07 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Important issues for the private sector

Held a reception in Lagos to mark the Queen's official Birthday. Well attended by leading opinion formers in this, West Africa's key commercial hub. Focused my speech on important issues for the private sector including international standards (and how British links can help introduce those) transparency, regulation and further progress on economic reform.

Also underlined the need to make a determined push against corruption and crime. There's a movement towards quality here in the banking sector following a predominantly locally influenced correction last year, which reflected the need to introduce full international standards of transparency and regulation.

Posted at 15:02 07 May 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Improving availability of electricity

Met the Minister of Power to discuss his efforts to improve availability of electricity. Most people don't have regular power which is a real irony in a country which produces a lot of oil and gas- and one of the issues for power plants is just getting hooked up to the necessary gas. Rightly, the President and Government have made this a top priority. The Minister is hoping to reach 6,000 MW this year by rehabilitating existing turbines etc. We are trying to help through DFID, including on project management.

Midweek, there was the annual Queen's Birthday reception - which was well attended - and I used the opportunity to emphasise some key messages from the G20 summit, including the need for all of us to work together and to avoid protectionism, focusing instead on improving transparency, regulation and international banking standards. Nigeria is dependent on oil and gas revenue and the drop in the international price has hurt.

Thursday I handed over some cheques to the Foreign Minister - the latest assets to be repatriated from a UK court case of money laundering involving an associate of former Governor Joshua Dariye. The return fulfils our commitment under Chapter V of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and is the result of continued co-operation with the Nigerian authorities. Over £1.25 million have been returned and another £40 million could be returned subject to future court judgements. Important that the issue of top level corruption continues to be addressed vigorously, thus denting impunity. Such public money is needed for development, rather than being stolen for private pockets.

Dinner with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in Lagos on Friday. Such civil society groups are even more important now, at a time when general forecasts - for example the future of rain forests - are gloomy. They play a crucial role in helping to raise awareness. We all need to work together to prepare for an ambitious outcome at the Copenhagen climate change conference. This is a joint endeavour for this planet. A balanced Nigerian voice and position at the Conference would be really helpful.

Posted at 14:57 30 April 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

The rainy season has started

Back in the swing of things in Abuja after the FCO’s Leadership Conference in London and Easter.  The rainy season has started – huge storm in Abuja at the end of the week.  The meetings in London were very useful including with the Nigerian community who were predictably mostly interested in visa issues.  Also had a good meeting with West African Business Association (WABA) members.  International economic crisis is having an impact on Nigeria but there are still important opportunities and our Trade and Investment office are very active. 

Good to see that the England and Wales Law Association sent a trade delegation, (for the second year running) last week.  The way the legal system is intertwined with that of the UK is symbolic of the close relations in many special areas.  My own belief is that one of the best things we can do as British Government is to help Nigeria adopt international standards.  In fact the impact crisis on the Nigerian private sector has to some extent encouraged a move towards quality, including in the banking sector.  As customers get more choosy so it must be win-win for UK companies to offer highest international standards and corporate governance as part of the package.

Posted at 09:45 22 April 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

A time with Nigerian Chevening Scholars

The response was great. The calibre of people was exceptional, intellectually. Many of them told me it was the values and standards and way of doing things that they had appreciated in the UK, on top of what they had learned in their advanced studies. They said they wanted to contribute to the new Nigeria, and agreed the group could be real change agents.

The get-together was to mark the 25 year birthday of Chevening scholarships in general but also to encourage them to form an Association and try to make a positive difference as a group. As I said to them quoting Winston Churchill who said ‘we make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.’ 

Met a great group of youngish Nigerians from all over the country last Friday and Saturday. We had made a special effort to keep in touch with former Chevening scholars. This particular scheme is for bright young leaders of tomorrow who go for further education in Britain. There are over 1,000 now in Nigeria and they are making a mark in many walks of life ranging from development to Government to journalism to private sector to judiciary.

Posted at 16:38 19 March 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]