§ 11. Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about development assistance being given by her Department and the European Union to aid the return of Nigeria to democracy. [89762]
§ Clare ShortBritain and the EU provided significant support to the transition process which led to President Obasanjo's inauguration in May and the return of Nigeria to democracy.
The challenge for the new Nigerian government is to redirect their resources towards growth and development aimed at removing inequalities and eliminating poverty. International assistance will be needed. Britain and the EU are ready to help Nigerian government efforts to bear down on corruption and adopt reforms that benefit the poor.