UK Appoints British-Nigerian MP Eshalomi As Trade Envoy To Nigeria

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

With the aim of deepening economic ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, British-Nigerian politician Florence Eshalomi has been appointed as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria.

Eshalomi, a Member of Parliament for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, becomes the second Nigerian to hold the prestigious position. Confirming her appointment on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, she expressed her commitment to fostering a robust trade relationship between both countries.

“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,” she wrote.

The UK’s Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, announced the appointment as part of a broader strategy to expand global trade partnerships. According to Reynolds, the new team of trade envoys will work to unlock new markets, attract investment into the UK, and drive economic growth.

Eshalomi, 44, holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Political and International Studies with Law from Middlesex University. Her background in politics and international affairs positions her as a strategic bridge between the UK and Nigeria, two nations with a long history of diplomatic and economic cooperation.

Her appointment comes at a crucial time when both countries are exploring new trade opportunities post-Brexit, with Nigeria serving as a key economic partner in West Africa. As she takes on this new role, all eyes will be on how she leverages her Nigerian heritage and political experience to strengthen bilateral trade.