Nigerian-British politician Florence Eshalomi has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy to Nigeria, making her the second Nigerian to hold the position.
Eshalomi confirmed her appointment on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, expressing her enthusiasm for the new role.
She wrote: “It is an honour to have been appointed as the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria.”
“I’m looking forward to building on my close ties with Nigeria to promote a strong and flourishing economic relationship between our two great nations.”
“I am looking forward to building on the UK’s relationship with Nigeria to help explore shared growth and opportunities for both countries.”
Eshalomi follows Helen Grant, who served as the UK’s first trade envoy to Nigeria from 2010 to 2014.
Announcing the appointment, Jonathan Reynolds, UK Secretary for Business and Trade, said the decision was part of a broader strategy to attract investment into the UK and stimulate economic growth.
“I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth,” Reynolds said in a statement on Tuesday.
Eshalomi, 44, is the Member of Parliament for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Political and International Studies with Law from Middlesex University.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen trade ties between Nigeria and the UK, fostering economic collaboration and investment opportunities.
