@iwazi_ng

Ahead of Prime Minister Theresa May's visit to Nigeria, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright has expressed delight over the visit sighting that the visit presents enormous opportunity for Britain and Nigeria to work in partnership on trade, security and tackling the scourge of  modern slavery and human trafficking.

Paul Arkwright tweeted:

"Delighted to welcome British Prime Minister to Nigeria this week. A huge opportunity for both our countries to work in partnership on trade, security and tackling the scourge of #modernslavery and human trafficking".

Theresa May will lead an ambitious trip to Africa this week on her first visit to the continent as Prime Minister. She’ll be the first British Prime Minister to visit Sub-Saharan Africa since 2013. This visit comes at a time of enormous change across Africa with a unique opportunity, as the UK moves towards Brexit, for a truly Global Britain to invest in and work alongside African nations, with mutual benefits.

The Prime Minister will be joined by a business delegation made up of 29 representatives from UK business – half of which are SMEs – from across all regions of the UK and its devolved administrations. The delegation shows the breadth and depth of British expertise in technology, infrastructure, and financial and professional services.

Upon arriving Nigeria, Prime Minister will meet President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja and spend time in Lagos meeting victims of human trafficking and modern slavery – a cause Theresa May has worked passionately to tackle.

In anticipation of the Prime Minister's visit, Nigerians have expressed optimism that the visit will yield positive results. Speaking to a cross section of Nigerians, they told our correspondents that they are hoping the United Kingdom would weigh into some of the issues rocking Nigeria especially the issue of secession in a bid to assist Nigeria find lasting solutions.