Bob Dewar

The really hot issue for Africa

The poster launched in London by David and Ed Miliband showing what might happen to our blue planet if we don't keep climate change to 2 degrees C or less is dramatic. It is a really important message for Africa. Ordinary citizens have so many problems- just getting enough food to eat and getting kids into some sort of school with a decent teacher is a tough job. How then can they look up and understand the bigger picture- which is that climate change will change their children's lives dramatically for ever unless everyone, every government, every one with influence, takes action to get a balanced, brave, successful deal at Copenhagen? 
 
I was looking at expert analysis the other day of what 4 degrees increase might mean for the great rain forests of Africa which come only after South American ones in importance for world weather systems. Simply put, it would cause an ecological catastrophe with massive loss of forest cover, bringing more extreme weather and turning  carbon sinks into a significant carbon source. People in marginal lands of Africa are already learning about desertification. Will people living in the remaining great forests of Africa today only know savannah tomorrow, if they are lucky?

Posted at 15:37 27 October 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[1]

Giving more attention to agriculture

As elsewhere in Africa, land is so important. The world economic downturn has focused ever more attention on Nigeria’s need to diversify its economy.  With 80 to 90 million people, in other words up to 70% of the population, dependent on agriculture – which also supplies 42% of GDP – it is an obvious area for priority. The government is giving more attention to agriculture, which is good. Putting emphasis on commercial agriculture makes great sense. The tropical agriculture research done in Ibadan has been helpful. Good infrastructure and services and support is needed for the farmers. It was interesting to call on Oxfam to hear more about their livelihoods, food and agricultural development strategy in many of Nigeria’s States, where they are trying to ensure that the interests of small scale farmers are properly recognised.  Should it not also be a priority to 'bring on' small scale farmers, helping them improve productivity and inputs, and helping them convert into small commercial farmers themselves? Access to land also needs to be decided fairly and not just handed out at political whim. Getting the new land legislation right will be critical

Posted at 16:52 02 September 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

British business in Africa

Opened a conference in Lagos of all our UK Trade and Investment officers in Africa- as well as the London team. They're doing a great job in helping British business help Africa. In difficult times of global downturn the standards and quality offered by UK companies give them a special advantage. And the logic for African Governments to push forward their economic and political reforms- and create bigger markets by regional integration- is stronger than ever. 

It is also a no-brainer that African Governments can push on with policy decisions that can help the business environment and help the private sector transform their countries. Such as tackling issues of governance, banking prudential requirements, bringing transparency, adopting international standards, looking outwards and refusing to be protectionist. All this will help African economies in challenging times. Britain remains Africa's gateway to the global economy as it starts to recover.

Not easy times for many African economies given commodity prices, tighter credit and a pause button on some internationally financed projects but medium and long term growth prospects are good. With our strong diversified economy, industry, products, services- and our own helpful business environment and global networks- the UK remains Africa's logical partner. Excellent evening event was sponsored by Standard Chartered who are doing great things in Nigerian banking.

Posted at 17:02 28 August 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

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[1]

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[1]

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]

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]

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]

The Military and Africa

Gave a speech at the National Defence College to an audience of well-informed military from Nigeria – and eleven other African countries.  Spoke a lot about our belief in multilateralism, working together to solve world problems, the need to avoid protectionism in facing the current global crisis and so on.  Reiterated our commitment to supporting African solutions to African problems and to genuine partnership.  Gave details of our support for African peacekeeping, governance standards and development.  And expressed my admiration for sacrifices made by African peacekeepers, including Nigerians in Darfur and – most recently -Burundians in Somalia.

Posted at 12:59 25 February 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

The global economic crisis and Nigeria's response

An important theme for us in the coming weeks, following Prime Minister Gordon Brown's keynote statements before and during Davos at the weekend, will be to discuss the global economic crisis and its impact with Nigerian authorities, media and other key interlocutors.  The Summit to be held in London in April will provide a platform for reaching a shared international solution based on global macro-economic co-operation.  The plan is to work on how we think the world should respond to the challenges - encouraging internationally co-ordinated action to keep the world open for business, trade and investment and avoid "de-globalisation".  The focus on growth and jobs, a strengthened international economic and financial system and reform of the international financial institutions is of great relevance to Nigeria and other countries of West Africa.  The impact of the global financial crisis has steadily become more apparent in Nigeria, not least flowing from the decline in the price of oil.  Naturally, stabilising the global financial system and building the foundations of sustainable global growth could help underpin development and poverty reduction.  Nor should the debate on how to address the financial crisis detract from encouraging Nigeria to focus also on the challenges of climate change.  We will welcome interactive discussions on all these issues over the next couple of months as the agenda for the London Summit firms up.

Posted at 15:57 04 February 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[2]

Awareness on HIV/AIDS

It was really good on Monday to talk to a group of teenage girls at Mpape, just outside the capital Abuja. They have been spreading awareness about HIV and AIDS including prevention by using condoms. It's a community with some high risk groups like migrant construction workers- and sex workers.

I was accompanying the new International Development Minister who was on his first trip to Africa and announced new support from the UK.

The girls told me that a few years ago they would not have been able to speak so openly about HIV. Now it was no longer a stigma in that place. They said using condoms meant the number of HIV cases- and Sexually Transmitted Diseases- had dropped. And that boys were now advocating condoms too.

The next day I was talking at a big meeting to review a successful prevention programme funded by DFID called 'Make we Talk' which in pidgin means 'Let's talk!'

Like the optimism and energy of those teenagers, there is also some good news in this bigger picture- prevalence in Nigeria has dropped from 5.8% in 2001 to 4.4 in 2005.

But there are 3 million people living with HIV in Nigeria- one in eight of all those with HIV in Africa. Add to that an estimated 1.2 m orphans and the reality that young girls are particularly at risk and it's clear that the good political commitment- the First Lady takes a lead for example- needs to be maintained. The momentum must be kept up with all leaders in society playing their part- and hopefully more Nigerian Government funding.

Prevention and awareness are critical. This is everyone's issue.

Posted at 18:39 20 November 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[1]

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]