Bob Dewar

Good governance and transparency

Met a new committee of the House of Representatives who are focusing on good governance including making sure resolutions and decisions in the House of Reps are implemented. They are  looking at issues of transparent procurement and fiscal discipline too.  They want to arrange a summit on good governance. I said this was an important theme- in fact perhaps the most important for all countries. But governance standards had to be 'owned' by everyone if they wanted things to happen, by all branches of the state (legislature, judiciary, executive) and by the private sector and civil society. It's all about how people behave. 

Posted at 12:54 14 October 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]

My trip to Calabar

Flew to Calabar in the South East of Nigeria to witness the ceremony transferring authority in the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. This was an important example to the rest of the world of settling differences over borders through international law. A credit to both governments. The judgement which is being followed was made by the International Court of Justice. It's important that communities on the ground are helped - and the UN and Witnesses have promised to keep an eye on that.

My first visit to this part of Nigeria. There is some important original tropical forest here and there would seem scope - also good for climate change - for sustainable conservation efforts to join up on both sides of the border. Trees don't notice boundaries.

Posted at 15:46 18 August 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[2]