He stated, “The situation is massively complex and no partnership is going to resolve the multiplicity of problems whether it is Boko Haram or Daesh or a number of other issues. In the UK you have a strong partner across the full gamut of issues, so, it is not just about intelligence and hard security and military, it is about societies, it is about humanitarian support, it is about education and development partnership.
“It is not an end game, we don’t get to a point where we would say ‘ this is the end of our relationship with Nigeria,’ because we got what we want, we set a higher bar, we are long –term partners.”
Speaking earlier, Onyeama noted that the relationship between the UK and Nigeria is important on the African continent not just because Nigeria is a big and populous country but also because of the role that Nigeria plays in the African region.
He said both countries will deepen post COVID-19 relations and work together to tackle climate change as well as realize the objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Onyeama decried the complex nature of the challenges the country was facing, especially in the North-East due to the unconventional nature of the war against terrorism.
“It is not a conventional war, where the enemy is readily identifiable; it is asymmetrical warfare, and we are dealing with very difficult situations. We have an intelligence fusion unit with our partners -the US, UK, France,’’ he said, adding that intelligence sharing will continue to help.
Onyeama also noted that there was multiplicity of issues to address such as deradicalisation, education, jobs, girl-child education and so many others needed to resolve the challenges of terrorism.