Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has praised Nigeria for its growing contribution to global development, describing the country as a source of immense human capital, cultural influence and future global leadership.
Johnson made the remarks on Thursday while speaking at the 2025 Imo State Economic Summit held in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
In a light-hearted but pointed comment, the former UK leader said Nigeria had even “sent a future British prime minister in the form of Kemi Badenoch” to the United Kingdom.
While noting that the UK exports pharmaceuticals, automotive parts and other economic goods to Nigeria, Johnson said Nigeria sends back far more in value.
“Nigeria sends us oil and gas, Nollywood movies, brilliant doctors, nurses, technicians and tech geniuses,” he said.
He further highlighted the enduring ties between both countries, built on shared history, language and constant exchange of people and ideas.
“It’s wonderful; it’s absolutely wonderful that here in Nigeria we are united. We have this huge blessing — ties of history and language — woven together by the toing and froing of brilliant Nigerians to my country and back again, and British people coming to Nigeria,” Johnson said.
“We’re very grateful and honoured. And we send you former United Kingdom prime ministers, and you send us future United Kingdom prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch, who comes from Nigeria and is doing better and better these days.”
Johnson also said the greatest future for both countries lies not just in trade, but in partnerships.
“I think the greatest hope that we have is not just the exports or the imports, but the things that we actually do together — the things we do in partnership,” he added.
The former Conservative Party leader also highlighted Nigeria’s growing influence in global culture and sports.
He referenced a Nigerian singer who performed at the recent coronation of the British monarch, Nigerian football stars dominating the English Premier League, and Nigerian artists currently showcasing at Tate Modern in London.
Johnson also spoke of Anglo-Nigerian films gaining international recognition, including Oscar nominations.
The former UK leader, who governed Britain from 2019 to 2022, said while Imo State has a promising future, Nigeria’s greatest days still lie ahead.
Commending Governor Hope Uzodinma for progress in security and infrastructure, Johnson stressed that artificial intelligence (AI) and clean, sustainable energy would shape future development.
“What is the future? It is AI. It’s artificial intelligence. And the demand for clean, sustainable electricity because of AI is going to be colossal,” he said.
He praised efforts to expand renewable and sustainable power in Imo State and Nigeria, adding that British firms should take advantage of emerging investment opportunities.
The summit attracted top global political and business figures, including President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima; the President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai; and former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon.
Also in attendance were several state governors, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and former Afreximbank President, Benedict Oramah, among others.
