By Toyosi Clement
The 2024 General Election has been one of the most exciting times in modern British politics. The Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, was sworn in after a landslide victory, and ending the Conservative Party’s 14 years in power.
Some may view Labour’s win as a fresh start for the country, allowing the party to confront a myriad of socioeconomic problems, with new opportunities and a greater focus on the less fortunate in the UK and across the globe. We must also ensure that our brothers and sisters in Nigeria experience that hope within our government through cooperation, amplifying voices within the Nigerian diaspora, and creating robust policies between the two nations.
What the new Government needs to do
Maintaining peace is a very difficult task within any country. At the barest minimum, the Starmer-led government needs to be more educated on Nigeria’s issues; eventually, the knowledge can translate into tangible and effective policies. In summary: Labour needs more Nigerian voices on the frontlines!
Firstly, the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East have demanded international attention, yet Africa’s issues, particularly those concerning Nigeria, have been treated with less urgency. The constant conflicts driven by ethnic, religious and economic tensions in Nigeria have the potential of a destabilising global impact, especially given Nigeria’s population, its regional importance in Africa, and its high number of religious persecutions and extremist attacks.
This imbalance must be addressed. The Labour government should review current policies between the two countries, including the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership and Sustainable Development Goals, which previous governments did not effectively address.
Second, we must consider the role of All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs). These groups could play a pivotal role in helping Nigeria tackle its insecurity problems by creating fora where business leaders and politicians from all parties can meet, hold events, discuss, and act on issues. While there is an existing APPG for Nigeria, it has done little to promote peace and security in the country. Establishing a new APPG on 'Security in Africa' or revitalising the current one to focus on these issues would significantly elevate the urgency and focus on Nigeria’s challenges, from arms sales to food insecurity to religious persecution.
David Lammy MP, We need you!
Previous governments have put very little into a cohesive foreign policy for Africa, missing the opportunity for the continent to be a progressive partner to the UK in facing the threats of today and tomorrow. For example, the Conservatives’ Integrated review of defence, security, development and foreign policy, under Boris Johnson, merely did lip service for Africans. It led to a reduction of foreign aid from 0.7% to 0.5% of the Gross National Income and therefore reduced investment in funding to developing countries. With that single policy decision, the UK turned its back to the world’s most vulnerable.
David Lammy MP
UK Foreign Minister - David Lammy MP (Photo - 10 Downing Street)
The Labour Party can now learn from these mistakes and redress this balance through its ‘Africa policy.’ The newly appointed Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and the new Foreign Affairs Select Committee should look closely at these issues to ensure comprehensive coverage and improvement of impacts. The Labour manifesto for international development highlights conflict prevention as a priority area, promising to "renew expertise and focus" and to make cooperating with the FCDO a pathway to "regaining Britain’s global leadership on development" and "reconnecting with our allies." However, there was no explicit mention of aid for Africa, let alone Nigeria, one of the UK’s greatest African allies.
As the Head of the Commonwealth, the UK has a vested interest in the Commonwealth’s security and prosperity, including Nigeria. There needs to be clear goals and explicit targets set for Nigeria and Africa’s development, like those Labour has established for the US, France, Ukraine, India, Israel, and Palestine.
Engaging the Nigerian Diaspora
Finally, getting the attention of the Nigerian diaspora is crucial. Non – profit organisations like PSJ UK and others are at the heart of Nigeria’s social justice movement and have tirelessly advocated for peace and justice in Nigeria through well researched reports, amplifying the voices of the marginalised in Nigeria, hosting events, and supporting the Nigerian communities in the UK and back home in Nigeria. These organisations need support as they have intimate knowledge of the key issues affecting Nigeria. After all, what you do not know, you cannot act on! Partnership with them is not only essential but integral to any policy between the UK and Nigeria.
Conclusion
The Labour government has a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on peace and development in Nigeria. By educating themselves on Nigeria's issues, leveraging the role of APPGs, supporting the efforts of organisations within the Nigerian diaspora, and setting clear goals and targets for Nigeria's development, the new Labour government can ensure that Nigeria, and Africa too, benefits from this fresh start.
- This article was first published on the website of Peace Building & Social Justice, (PSJ) UK
- Toyosi Clement is a Researcher and Policy intern at the PSJ UK. He has written numerous Op-Eds and articles surrounding development and conflict resolution in Africa; has written briefings for MPs; has engaged in spreading awareness about Nigeria’s insecurity through public interviews and events, and has organised and led an online policy forum discussing the challenges and opportunities within the UK-Nigerian Defence Partnership.