Bob Dewar

Building regional and international trade

Held an interesting breakfast in Lagos with one of Nigeria's main banks, which was a chance to brainstorm on prospects for Nigeria's recovery from current economic difficulties and on how UK and Nigeria can do even more bilateral trade and investment. My pitch was that the UK remains the natural partner for Nigeria because we offer the gateway and contacts to the globalised world and also offer good quality and standards. In the current banking situation in Nigeria and elsewhere, one of the key lessons has been the need for better regulation for example. Transparency is important. So are standards. And so is the need for all countries to work together to rebuild confidence and look outwards, building regional and international trade. It is certainly not the time to be protectionist. Anyway the feeling round the table was that there are some cautious positives about Nigeria including the Central Bank Governor's banking reforms, the current peace in the Nigeria Delta and the increase in the world oil price, which helps the revenue situation.   Our own Trade and Investment office remains very busy indeed, which shows the interest of UK companies. In terms of performance (UKTI reports and revenue raised etc) we're doing better than other UK offices in sub Saharan Africa.  Good stuff.

Posted at 13:16 13 November 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Awareness about the environment

Participated in a thought provoking round table discussion last week in Lagos on climate change, organised by the British Council. The State of Lagos is doing a lot to raise awareness about the environment but the urgency of climate change has still to strike home to everyone.

Naturally in Lagos, much of which is very low lying, there is a lot of discussion of sea level rise and what it means. But my message was not to panic; instead there are things that all leaders, all individuals can do.  And, besides better planning, there should be great opportunities for use of new technology and funding that we hope will be part of the deal for developing countries at the December Copenhagen summit.

So far as the UK team goes,  we decided to work as much as possible with both the private sector and Lagos state Government in coming months, trying to improve shared understanding and joint cooperation between them. Also trying to help on waste management and other specific areas.

Posted at 16:00 14 July 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

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]

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]

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]

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 with Nigerian Chevening Scholars

The response was great. The calibre of people was exceptional, intellectually. Many of them told me it was the values and standards and way of doing things that they had appreciated in the UK, on top of what they had learned in their advanced studies. They said they wanted to contribute to the new Nigeria, and agreed the group could be real change agents.

The get-together was to mark the 25 year birthday of Chevening scholarships in general but also to encourage them to form an Association and try to make a positive difference as a group. As I said to them quoting Winston Churchill who said ‘we make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.’ 

Met a great group of youngish Nigerians from all over the country last Friday and Saturday. We had made a special effort to keep in touch with former Chevening scholars. This particular scheme is for bright young leaders of tomorrow who go for further education in Britain. There are over 1,000 now in Nigeria and they are making a mark in many walks of life ranging from development to Government to journalism to private sector to judiciary.

Posted at 16:38 19 March 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

An outing to Zuma Rock

Met up with nine teachers from UK, Nigeria and Kenya who are involved in the British Council’s innovative Connecting Classrooms programme. In this case it involved three schools in each country- from Hull in the UK’s case. 

Went out to the government science secondary school and met a couple of the Nigerian students who had been to Hull as part of the exchange. They were full of their experiences and how this had broadened their understanding of each other and the world. The teachers were similarly complimentary, including about how this helped each school with its curriculum and priorities. The Kenyans and Nigerians had found it very interesting to compare notes on everything from standards in school to the differences of culture.

We all went off briefly with some students for a joint outing to Zuma Rock (see photo) which is the geographical centre of Nigeria.

Education is the basis for everything. And the quality of education is so important- which depends on good teachers. So it was very inspiring to meet such dedicated teachers, all of them proud of what they are doing.

Posted at 16:34 11 March 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Some important steps in Kwara

Visited Kwara state where a lot of interesting things are happening, catalysed by the Governor and his go-ahead team.

Some important steps for the economy are being taken including improving electricity transmission, at a stroke reducing business costs. Also working on a trucking depot and air freight terminal.Commercial farmers are getting into gear on cassava, milk and- soon- poultry production, with rice to come and potential for banana and other fruit exports to the Middle East.

There are many challenges but they are being overcome and it is hoped Nigerian farmers will follow the example. Fascinating case study in a country where oil prices have fallen and there is so much land that can be more productive.

Education was another theme. The State acknowledge very honestly the need to improve the quality of teaching. Meanwhile the  private Thomas Adewumi college with its UK links and international standards is a beacon of excellence. Good that we’ve helped by equipping a local clinic just next to it, which has helped save lives of some who have been treated for malaria and complications in childbirth.
Fascinating to cross the Niger near Mungo Park’s grave on the way there and to see the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers on the way back. But glad I wasn’t driving! Minibuses seem to like overtaking on bends....

Posted at 13:26 11 March 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[1]

An evening with VSO volunteers

Had an inspiring evening last week with Voluntary Service Overseas volunteers, many of them just arrived, together with the local organisations they work with. I was a VSO a long time ago now and got far more out of it than I gave. But I’m very proud of my time in Sudan as a teacher. Jenny, my wife, was a VSO teacher more recently in Northern Nigeria.

It’s great that VSO has now been going for over  50 years and still adapting to be as useful as it can. It brings experienced and qualified professionals to offer skills and experience to the new Nigeria. Their focus is helping the disadvantaged in a variety of ways. The partners are valiant Nigerian groups and individuals working to build up civil society capacity, small business, HIV/AIDS work, work on gender, work with children, the deaf and so on.

I spoke to the lady who runs Lady Mechanic and heard how her organisation gives technical skills (and then hopefully jobs) to women who have often had a difficult background. The only organisation dealing with child abuse in Nigeria was also present, as were others who spoke hopefully about how civil society is growing in confidence, although in an environment dominated by powerful vested interests. 

The volunteers deserve every encouragement and support. This is a really valuable contribution from this UK based organisation which is now genuinely international- present that evening were volunteers from UK, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Nepal, Netherlands, Australia, India, Uganda and Kenya. What an impressive organisation.

Posted at 16:52 04 March 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[1]

A visit to Enugu

Visited Enugu for the day with the Head of DFID Nigeria, Eamon Cassidy, and the World Bank Director.  Enugu is one of the States where the UK has a development partnership, offering technical support to help it improve governance, growth and human development.  The funds offered are relatively modest in comparison to Enugu’s own resources (and we design our support to bring about better use of the State’s own money) and much depends on the political will and commitment of the partner.  The Governor chaired an informal and direct talking round table with us, stressing that he wants to tackle corruption, improve infrastructure and agriculture, and reform the police.  An encouraging “relaunch” of our partnership with this important State.

Posted at 12:37 25 February 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[0]

Nigeria is one of our biggest visa operations world-wide

 Accompanied our Borders and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas during a two day visit. Very constructive discussions with Nigerian Ministers. Migration is a central issue for the UK and Nigeria. Both countries want migration to be legitimate and managed, not illegal and clandestine. Return of those who have no legal right to remain in UK is being well handled. And there are good programmes of co-operation, eg sharing training and knowledge with the immigration service and capacity building with the prison service.

Nigeria is one of our biggest visa operations world-wide, with over 180,000 applicants per year. We aim to provide a fair and efficient service. There’s a 45% refusal rate, often because of document fraud. But we’re glad to welcome legitimate visitors.

There are new simplified procedures being phased in under the Australian-style ‘Points Based System’ and the Minister was able to explain the advantages of these reforms for both sides. He also saw one of our out-sourced visa application centres which handles the first stage of applications including ‘biometrics’ (finger printing). 

Posted at 13:03 11 February 2009 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[2]

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]

Migration and visas play a very important part in relationship with Nigeria

I got contacted several times about visas yesterday.  That's pretty normal here but it shows again how issuing visas to the UK is such an important part of the mission's work.

Indeed migration and visas play a very important part in relationship with Nigeria.  There has been a lot of change in the way we have been providing our visa services over the last year or two, including introduction of biometrics and outsourcing the first part of the visa application process to Visa Application Centres run by a private sector company.  The aim is of course to provide a customer-friendly professional service.

We have also been introducing a new points-based system which has been coming into effect stage by stage.  The newest tiers for skilled migration and temporary workers for example went 'live' on 27 November.  The idea is to have a managed migration scheme which is applied transparently, within which newcomers to the UK can earn the right to stay.  In addition we are simplifying the route for business visitors.  The point about the skilled workers tier is that these are occupations where the UK government thinks there are shortages so it is sensible for the positions to be opened to migrants - who can score points if they are applying to work in one of the particular occupations. 

A lot of time has been taken to explain all these changes to the Nigerian authorities and citizens - and all the information is on the website.  We welcome those who travel legitimately and who meet the rules.  And we believe that the visa services we provide are professional and to a high standard.  Equally there is zero tolerance for any applications that are put forward with fraudulent documents.

Posted at 16:31 22 December 2008 by Bob Dewar  |  Comments[3]