Vice-President Kashim Shettima has advocated the creation of a Nigeria-UK bi-national commission to strengthen bilateral relations.

This is contained in a statement signed by Olusola Abiola, spokesman for the vice-president on Wednesday.

Mr Shettima stated this when he received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, on a courtesy call at the Presidential Villa.

The Vice-president said Nigeria and UK had a long-standing historical relationship, business activities and shared common interests, which has led to the exceptional cordial relationship between the two nations.

He lauded the British government for its regular support and assistance to Nigeria while expressing hope for more robust business relations ahead.

“I will urge you to facilitate the setting up of the Nigeria-UK binational commission. The bi-national commission can be the driver for accelerating enhanced business relationships between our two countries,” stated Mr Shettima. “We need to ramp up the trade between our two nations, taking into cognizance of our proximity and the long-lasting relationship.”

He added, “There is no nation that we are close to than the UK, and our trade represents less than five per cent of the volume of our import and export.”

Mr Shettima said the federal government was committed to creating an enabling environment for business activities to flourish in the country. The vice-president underscored the need for economic reforms to position the country’s economy for growth to march the recent removal of fuel subsidy.

(NAN)