The British High Commission in Nigeria said in a statement Wednesday in Abuja that exports from Britain to Nigeria was nearly 2 billion pounds between 2006 and 2007, reported the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday.
Peter Stephenson, director of British Trade and Investment (UKTI) Department in Nigeria said Nigeria is Britain’s second largest market in Africa, with exports of goods worth 1,013 million pounds in 2007, and exports of services valued at 913 million pounds in 2006.
According to him, Nigerians first looked to Britain for goods and services because of the strong historical, language and constitutional ties between the two countries.
He said the UKTI is keen to build on the established relationship between the two countries and to help companies take advantage of the opportunities for trade in Nigeria.
The business areas identified include oil and gas, agriculture, mining and mineral processing, power and communications.
“Nigeria is the most lucrative telecommunications market in Africa, growing at twice the African average, and a wide range of products and services are being promoted,” he said.
Stephenson said in order to build on the strong business ties between the two countries representatives of 18 companies will be participating in the annual trade mission to Lagos, holding between Sept. 15 and Sept. 18.