Bob Dewar

Great to see Lord Sebastian Coe in Abuja..

Great to see Lord Sebastian Coe in Abuja, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the 2012 Olympic Games. I remember watching him break those 800 and 1500 metre records!

Besides talking to other organising committees and Olympic representatives from all round the world, he spared time to meet the Minister of Sport.  The London Games wants to be Games for everyone. And one of the great things about the 2012 Games is the International Inspirations project, which is linked to it and already under way. It will use the spirit of the Olympic Games to change the lives of young people in many countries all around the world and thus leave a special legacy.

What better way than sport to reach out to inspire youngsters- including the poor and disadvantaged- in countries such as Nigeria. I think sport can empower them, can motivate them, can bring them together, can give them hope, happiness, pride and friendship. With the help of the British Council and UK Sport this project will try to help the Nigerian Sports authorities to develop sports policies and curricula and activities over the next few years.  On that note I better stop blogging and go for a run!

Posted at 10:45 09 July 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[1]

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 for some reflection about Nigeria's priorities for 2009

It was a fairly quiet New Year in Abuja.  The harmatan (dust in the air) has really settled in.  Many people are in their home villages or abroad visiting relatives.  A time for some reflection about Nigeria's priorities for 2009.  I think there's a golden opportunity for the country's National Assembly to adopt real electoral reforms which would make the electoral commission and other institutions independent.  That might help reduce conflict and violence in the competition for political power and resources.  Wise men and women in power need to address underlying issues.  In the current economic climate, there's an even greater need to deepen reforms - and to focus on delivering what the poorer people need, including electricity.  At a stroke cheaper electricity would help businesses and mean more jobs.  Quick wins.  Should be a busy year.  The UK wants to be a constructive friend and add value where it can in helping Nigeria confront its challenges.

Posted at 16:54 06 January 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[2]

Lots of opportunities and lots of challenges......

I’ve been blogging on the High Commission website since my arrival in Nigeria I’ve been here six months now so perhaps it’s time to pause for thought.  Such an important country for Africa. Such a big country!  Over 140 million people and over 250 different ethnic groups. It’s like seeing Africa contained in one country although of course every African country is different. I seem to have been travelling non stop and still need to visit two thirds of the States in this Federal Republic (there are 36).

There are lots of opportunities and lots of challenges for the Nigerian Government - not least sorting out the Niger Delta problem with its knotty mixture of deep issues of criminality, security, poor governance and development.

My main thought, six months on, is the one I had when I first stepped off the BA flight in this new capital of Abuja. We are intertwined together, Britain and Nigeria, by history, people, shared background.  We think the same way. Nigerian people are great - the true wealth of the country, not the oil and gas however important (and sometimes distorting) those are. So it is crucial that we talk to each other and listen to each other, with mutual respect.

Secondly there’s a real opportunity right now for Nigeria to make a new start and improve the quality of what it does. In re-building institutions, services, infrastructure. Here it’s important that the UK helps by offering useful experience, skills, knowledge. In other words we should add value to what Nigeria wants to do, whether through official links or private sector.

Quality also in terms of values and integrity. Simply having the political will to roll back corruption will make a great difference. Tackling large scale corruption and taking to court those who have misused their position for personal gain will be win-win for the government. It encourages investment. It sends a signal that there is no impunity for the corrupt, however powerful they are. The people want better leadership and a better quality of life. The current President offers real hope with his vision. 

So that’s my morning reflection over my pawpaw- plus fresh orange juice. I was present at migration talks in London on Monday, which I think underline the point about us being intertwined. UK prisons have many Nigerians in them. And there are many other Nigerians who do not have legal right to remain in the UK. Equally we do want and we do value legitimate Nigerian travellers and visitors and those who are highly skilled and contribute to our economy. So it’s right that we have a regular and constructive dialogue on these issues round the table.

I am off in a few days to the UK and it’s only a matter of weeks before we will be receiving President Yar’Adua and his team on his very important visit to London. The visit will be great for both countries. Will let you know how it goes!

Posted at 15:34 02 July 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[13]