Bob Dewar

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 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 days are getting colder..

Just finished a few weeks of training in London. One thing I have learnt is that one can never stop learning and developing. One of the courses was ‘leadership’. I offered my views that leadership includes liberating others to fulfil their own potential.

I’m glad we’ve greatly increased the training budget in our missions in Nigeria. Helping staff to take learning and development seriously is win win for everyone. I hope the quality of our performance and the high standards we set for ourselves can also have some influence outside the mission.

The days are getting colder in Britain so I’m looking forward to getting back to some African heat! I’ve talked to many Government colleagues in different Ministries about our busy work schedule in months ahead. We hope to do a lot in partnership with our new Ministry of Energy and Climate Change for example. But almost every part of the UK government is working with Nigeria –which shows how foreign and domestic policies are one and the same. Better governance, legitimate migration, links to international standards and skills, good services – these are all basic elements of what we try to contribute to every day on the ground.

Had some very useful meetings with important British companies and banks doing business with Nigeria. They are all watching the situation carefully and want to make the right – constructive - judgements as things move forward. Had a friendly meeting with my opposite number, the Nigerian High Commissioner and also met the head of the association of Nigerians in the UK, who can really make a positive contribution back in Nigeria.

Posted at 17:29 29 October 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Blog Action Day: Millennium Development Goals

My thoughts turned today to all those who are working in Nigeria to help make progress towards the Millennium Development Goals.  Such champions need every support.  The challenges facing those who are poor and without a voice are immense.  Unfortunately there are still too many children who die before five years old and too many mothers who die in childbirth; and there are too many children, including girls, who do not get to school.  That can all change with real commitment from all those in Nigeria who have influence.  Success in giving every citizen a better quality of life will be great for Nigeria and great for Africa.  Africa needs strong Nigerian leadership on these crucial issues.

Posted at 17:24 15 October 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[1]