News
UK Appoints 32 Trade Envoys to Drive Economic Growth… Flo Eshalomi MP appointed UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria
UK Appoints 32 Trade Envoys to Drive Economic Growth… Flo Eshalomi MP appointed UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
A new ‘global growth team’ of UK Trade Envoys has been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment as the Government pulls every lever available to drive economic growth under its Plan for Change.
According to a statement on Wednesday, 32 parliamentarians, including Flo Eshalomi who was appointed Trade Envoy to Nigeria, were drawn from across the political spectrum and tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses and championing the UK as a destination of choice for investment in the assigned target markets across six continents.
The statement said each market has been identified as presenting significant potential for growing UK trade and Trade Envoys are appointed on their ability, relevant skills and experience.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government and a key part of our Plan for Change.
“That’s why 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.”
Speaking on the appointment, the Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Nigeria, Mark Smithson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Florence Eshalomi MP as the new UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria and look forward to working with her to deliver on the commitments made under the UK Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and unlock growth and opportunities for our two nations”
Flo Eshalomi MP and the 31 MPs will work closely with the DBT, bringing in their previous government-to-government experience, to bolster exports, attract investments, and remove trade barriers in their respective markets.
The announcement comes ahead of the new Trade Strategy in Spring, which will prioritise rebuilding the UK’s relationship with the EU and seizing opportunities to access new markets further afield.
Flo Eshalomi is the Labour (Co-op) MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green and has been an MP continually since 12 December 2019. She takes over from Helen Grant MP, who was Trade Envoy to Nigeria from October 2020 to May 2024.
The new appointments are:
Afzal Khan MP appointed to Türkiye
Alex Sobel MP appointed to Ukraine
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP appointed to Ghana
Ben Coleman MP appointed to Morocco & Francophone West Africa
Calvin Bailey MP appointed to Southern Africa
Carolyn Harris MP appointed to New Zealand
Dan Carden MP appointed to Mexico
David Pinto-Duschinsky MP appointed to Switzerland & Lichtenstein
Fabian Hamilton MP appointed to Southern Cone
Flo Eshalomi MP appointed to Nigeria
George Freeman MP appointed to Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei
Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride appointed to Jordan, Kuwait & the Palestine Territories
Lord Ian Austin of Dudley appointed to Israel
Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath appointed to Ethiopia
Jess Morden MP appointed to Central America
Lord John Alderdice appointed to Azerbaijan & Central Asia
Lord John Hannett of Everton appointed to Sri Lanka
Lord John Speller of Smethwick appointed to Australia
Josh MacAlister MP appointed to Brazil
Kate Osamor MP appointed to East Africa
Matt Western MP appointed to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Mohammad Yasin MP appointed to Pakistan
Naz Shah MP appointed to Indonesia & ASEAN
Paulette Hamilton MP appointed to Commonwealth Caribbean
Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester appointed to Taiwan
Lord Roger Liddle appointed to Andean
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan appointed to South Africa
Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster appointed to Bangladesh
Sarah Olney MP appointed to North Africa
Sharon Hodgson MP appointed to Japan
Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest appointed to Republic of Korea
Yasmin Qureshi MP appointment to Egypt
Military
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
By Zagazola Makama
Security was significantly reinforced around Niger’s Presidential Palace in Niamey following reports of unrest involving elements of the country’s armed forces, security sources told Zagazola Makama.
According to multiple security sources, the heightened deployment of the Presidential Guard, supported by armoured vehicles around the Presidential Palace on the night of July 3 and into July 4, followed what was described as a limited protest by personnel of an armoured unit within the Niger Armed Forces (FAN).
The sources said some soldiers reportedly declined deployment to frontline positions in northern Tillabéri Region, particularly around Inatès and Chinagodrar, citing inadequate heavy equipment and insufficient operational resources to confront the growing security threats in the area.
The protest was described by one source as a “small mutiny,” although there has been no official confirmation from the Nigerien authorities.
Security sources said the development triggered concern within the country’s leadership, prompting the reinforcement of security around the Presidential Palace and temporary restrictions on movement in the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
The Tillabéri Region remains one of Niger’s most volatile security zones, with recurrent attacks by armed extremist groups, including factions linked to the so-called Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS).
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerien government and military authorities had not issued any official statement regarding the reported protest or the increased security presence around the Presidency.
The situation remains under close observation.
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Enduring Peace have arrested two suspected criminals during a routine patrol in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, identified as Azi Ezekiel, 21, and Ajiji Emmanuel, 19, were apprehended at about 10:30 a.m. on Saturday along the road leading to Forbur Village.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, while conducting a routine patrol in the area.
According to the sources, the two suspects have been handed over to the Keystone Police Station in Forbur for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The arrest forms part of ongoing security operations aimed at combating criminal activities and enhancing safety across Plateau State.
Two suspected criminals arrested during patrol in Plateau
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a suspected kidnapper during a security operation in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Mohamdu Surajo, 29, was arrested at about 6:45 p.m. on Friday at Sabon Layi Village following sustained security operations in the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspect is currently in military custody and is undergoing preliminary interrogation to aid ongoing investigations.
They added that the arrest is part of continued efforts by security forces to dismantle criminal networks and enhance security across Plateau State.
Troops arrest suspected kidnapper in Plateau community
President Tinubu Flags Off the Construction of Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala, Bama–Banki International Road Projects
Mutiny: Presidential Guard Tightens Security Around Niger Presidency Amid Reports of Military Protest
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Berom Militia Linked to NIPSS Attack as Security Sources Say Investigation Supports Earlier Leads
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