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[1]

A good omen

Very busy last week accompanying Lord Malloch-Brown as he travelled around on a three day official visit to Lagos and Abuja. He is well known here as a constructive friend of Nigeria and Africa and was warmly received by President Yar'Adua.

He came to follow up the visit to London of the President and he met a great range of people ranging from Federal and State Governments (including the Governor of Lagos) to the Speaker and many stakeholders in the private sector and civil society. The discussions in all these meetings were very interesting and wide ranging as befits the rather special relationship between the two countries. From climate change to migration, from the need for better development and governance in the Niger Delta to electoral reform. We encourage all the reforms to go forward.

There was a rainbow in the distance at the goodbye do for Lord Malloch-Brown. A good omen.

Posted at 10:28 17 September 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

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]