Nigeria recalls High Commissioner to UK, Sarafa Isola
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has recalled the country’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sarafa Isola.
A letter signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the diplomat is “expected to commence the process of winding down your affairs, and take formal leave of your host government within sixty days and to return to Nigeria by 31 October, 2023 at the latest.
‘I seize this opportunity to express Mr. President’s appreciation for the service you have rendered in your capacity as Nigeria’s Ambassador and Principal Representative in United Kingdom.
‘While looking forward to welcoming you in Abuja on your return, please allow me to join Mr. President in thanking your Excellency for your exemplary leadership and service to Nigeria. I wish you God’s continued guidance in your future endeavours.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.” The letter said.
No reason was given for the decision. The letter of recall ends Mr Isola’s stay as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United Kingdom.
The minister, on behalf of the Nigerian president, commended the envoy for his services.
He was appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The United Kingdom is number one of Nigeria’s closest allies.
Data from the Department for Business and Trade showed that total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Nigeria was £7.6 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2023, an increase of 48.4% or £2.5 billion in current prices from the four quarters to the end of Q1 2022.
In 2021, the outward stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the UK in Nigeria was £3.4 billion accounting for 0.2% of the total UK outward FDI stock.
