Bob Dewar

Expanding the number of health care centres

2009-11-10T17:10:28+00:00

It was good to visit Garki primary health care clinic in Abuja with Baroness Kinnock our new Minister for Africa. A queue of mothers and their babies, all less than a year old, were waiting for routine vaccinations for polio, hepatitis, yellow fever and measles.

Nigeria has some sad statistics. 1 in 5 children die before five years old. The country has 2% of the world's population but 10% of maternal mortality. So making a determined push to change all that is important. Expanding the number of health care centres, with mid-wives, is part of the solution.

Taking a really strategic approach and putting a lot more Federal and State money into primary health services and systems is critical. That would show political will. Hopefully a new Health Bill will be signed soon.

Not oil but food!

2009-10-28T12:04:02+00:00

It is not so well known how growing and processing food in Nigeria is on the up. Everyone thinks of Nigeria in recent decades as dependent only on oil and gas. So it was great to hear of the visit of directors of Olam Nigeria Ltd based in Commonwealth partner country Singapore. Olam was the biggest non-oil exporter from Nigeria in 2007 (over $133m). Its products have traditionally been cocoa, sesame seed and cotton. But there has been more recent news of plans to invest in a sugar refinery and wheat milling. The company's investment so far has shown how they see long term opportunities here. They have helped rural employment and farmers' profits. Positive stuff. Making a difference for small holder farmers. Let's hope for more.

The really hot issue for Africa

2009-10-27T14:37:28+00:00

The poster launched in London by David and Ed Miliband showing what might happen to our blue planet if we don't keep climate change to 2 degrees C or less is dramatic. It is a really important message for Africa. Ordinary citizens have so many problems- just getting enough food to eat and getting kids into some sort of school with a decent teacher is a tough job. How then can they look up and understand the bigger picture- which is that climate change will change their children's lives dramatically for ever unless everyone, every government, every one with influence, takes action to get a balanced, brave, successful deal at Copenhagen?

I was looking at expert analysis the other day of what 4 degrees increase might mean for the great rain forests of Africa which come only after South American ones in importance for world weather systems. Simply put, it would cause an ecological catastrophe with massive loss of forest cover, bringing more extreme weather and turning carbon sinks into a significant carbon source. People in marginal lands of Africa are already learning about desertification. Will people living in the remaining great forests of Africa today only know savannah tomorrow, if they are lucky?

Planting the seeds of hope

2009-10-26T13:58:38+00:00

I always believed small was beautiful from when I first read Shumaker's book all those years ago. Well, a few small but significant initiatives show what can be done in Nigeria on climate change. Firstly a training programme undertaken by a range of Nigerian civil socity organisation under the umbrella Nigerian CAN network (Climate Action Network) has meant they have been able to lobby for an equitable climate change deal and to influence policy makers. Secondly a weather station in the extreme East of Nigeria (Taraba State) is now providing climate change data on the internet which can feed into climate modelling. Both funded by Britain, both seeds for the future.

Visit to NDLEA and NAPTIP with Mr Alan Campbell, M.P

2009-10-15T13:50:38+01:00

Accompanied our Minister for Crime Reduction in meetings with the Government and the anti-drugs agency NDLEA and the anti- people trafficking agency NAPTIP. These agencies are doing a good job. But cocaine trafficking from South America using West Africa for a transit route is a real and growing threat. Half the cocaine entering the UK comes that way. And no 'transit' countries can avoid corrosion to their own societies. Drugs destroy lives. Drugs finance crime and terrorism. New laboratories have been found in Guinea.

Met Commissioners of ECOWAS too and it is good that there is an action plan on the table to enhance co-operation up and down the coast. We've all got to help- and also help individual countries up their game. This really is urgent. Every country must wake up and make itself hostile to drugs trafficking. Finally we visited a shelter for some young women who had been rescued from being trafficked. Very moving to meet them. They are making lovely hats and jewellry to make money and start a new life.

Good governance and transparency

2009-10-14T12:54:05+01:00

Met a new committee of the House of Representatives who are focusing on good governance including making sure resolutions and decisions in the House of Reps are implemented. They are looking at issues of transparent procurement and fiscal discipline too. They want to arrange a summit on good governance. I said this was an important theme- in fact perhaps the most important for all countries. But governance standards had to be 'owned' by everyone if they wanted things to happen, by all branches of the state (legislature, judiciary, executive) and by the private sector and civil society. It's all about how people behave.

Why we need an Arms Trade Treaty

2009-10-07T17:43:31+01:00

Travelling round Nigeria only underlines the need for this country to achieve genuine peaceful development for its people and move away from conflict and violence, which can flare up. Conflict and violence is fuelled in many parts of the world by arms. Arms need to be controlled at national and international level. That's why we need progress towards an Arms Trade Treaty and we hope Nigeria will play its part at this week's discussion in New York to bring such progress.

National and regional arms export control need to be really effective. Unregulated trade in arms needs to be stopped. A timetable is needed toward such a Treaty. Ordinary people with ordinary lives need that. It's tough enough in Nigeria for many of its poorer people just to get by and get their kids into school without worrying about insecurity as well.

Commonwealth conversation

2009-09-29T16:44:53+01:00

My Ugandan colleague as current Commonwealth Chair launched an awareness campaign with the press, which I attended. This was to encourage Nigerians to participate in the 'Commonwealth conversation.' A great idea, asking people to say what they think about the relevance of the Commonwealth in the modern world.

Just log on to www.thecommonwealthconversation.org. What goals do you think the Commonwealth should have for the future? How can it connect better with the young (half of Commonwealth citizens are under 25). And so on. This conversation is 2 billion voices in 53 countries of amazing diversity, sharing common language and values and a force for positive change in our planet. Make your voice heard!

Attended the Durbars in Katsina and Kano

2009-09-28T16:40:38+01:00

Attended the Durbahs in the great Northern centres of Katsina and Kano to mark the Eid at the end of Ramadan. Great pageantry and spectacle with local leaders and followers pledging their allegiance to the Emirs in the presence of the Governors and the modern day State. The skill in horsemanship was tremendous as the surge of horsemen galloped up to the Emirs. I passed my congratulations to Nigerian Muslims on the Sallah (the Eid El Fitr).

Nigeria is indeed justly proud of its traditions. But energetic efforts also need to be made- as some of the Governors are doing- to modernise and look forward. Providing young people with the modern education and opportunities they need for jobs is a key challenge.

Give peace a chance

2009-09-25T13:40:41+01:00

Visited Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta. At the formal session with the Governor I said it was important for everyone to give peace a chance. Ordinary people need peace and safety and better governance and to see oil and gas revenue improving their lives on the ground. The Governor said things were getting better following the amnesty offer.

He then signed an MOU with the British Council Director, to train creative entrepreneurs. This sort of training can help get the local economy moving. Creating jobs for the young is a key challenge. The BC are also doing a great job helping in teacher training.

Discussed climate change with the Commissioner of Environment who is looking at a lot of issues including waste management. The potential impact of climate change in this oil and gas producing area is big given sea level rise. And it seems that local conflict can happen if villagers are displaced. There's also a need to tackle gas flaring of course.

The city was busy with traffic, almost as bad as Lagos on a bad day!

Partnership in promoting intergrity and fighting fraud

2009-09-24T17:47:27+01:00

Partnership in promoting integrity and fighting fraud was the theme at midday in Lagos. Handed over a vehicle and some special equipment to the police anti fraud unit in Lagos, designed to help them tackle those involved in fraudulent documents. We are determined to ensure those who apply for visas using false documents- and those who make and supply them- will not benefit. So we have increased our own capacity to spot them and hope the police will use the new equipment to target criminals who are trying such fraud.

The message is clear: we welcome legitimate travellers and those who benefit legitimately from study, business and tourism in the UK. But those who use fraud in their application will not be allowed to travel. Indeed they could face a ban of up to 10 years for using fraudulent documents.

Values and Beliefs - Bedrock of leadership style

2009-09-23T17:12:30+01:00

Met a group of young leaders in Lagos who have formed 'The Future' project. They are all excelling in their fields, which range acros the board from media to fashion design or commercial agriculture. They want to be good examples to other less fortunate youngsters. They explained that Nigeria often has the wrong image. Youngsters should be shown role models of how to succeed and bring positive change. I said leadership was indeed important including within the younger generation- but values and beliefs had to be the bedrock of leadership style. They said they agreed with that, saying integrity and due process and sustainability was important. I said it was perhaps about building up institutions and systems that survived beyond any one individual. Anyway a very stimulating discussion and shows that Nigeria can look forward positively if the younger generation are all as talented and committed as this.

The port is Benin's lifeblood

2009-09-17T17:06:08+01:00

Fascinating to go down the dual highway to Cotonou in Benin. Not nearly so many loaded trucks coming into Nigeria as when I last visited. That's a sign of the impact of the world economic downturn and the credit squeeze in Lagos. The port is Benin's lifeblood. West Africa should be a growing trading region and the challenge is to get the wheels of world commerce moving again.

Infrastructure is getting better in Benin with the new port now privatised and prospect of modernisation of the railway to the north. So it could become a key regional transport hub in time. But the daily reality for many is a small bit of 'informal' trade- a bag of rice in one direction, cheap Nigerian petrol in the other.

Sport matters in Nigeria

2009-09-16T10:24:20+01:00

Sport matters in Nigeria. The country had a sad day a week ago when they drew with Tunisia in a must-win game to qualify for the soccer world cup. The score was two goals each. Twice a delirious sell out crowd was on its feet. Twice the other side equalised. Excitement and hope deflated in an instant. But Nigeria has great potential as a sporting nation- and not just in football. So many youngsters have natural talent. Why not some new sports?

The High Commission lost a cricket match against a pretty good Abuja CC on Sunday. And rugby sevens could surely grow fast with the right encouragement.

SMEs help create employment in Nigeria

2009-09-09T16:47:35+01:00

It is impressive how our small and medium sized businesses are still focused on exports, emerging from the global downturn just as determined as ever to break into new markets. I opened an exhibition of products, of some exporters from London who have an Afro-Caribbean background.

Valuable linkages are being made with Nigerian SMEs and small scale industry. I made the points in my speech that British products offer quality and international standards. Getting small scale businesses to prosper is part of getting the international commercial system to start operating again. SMEs help create employment in Nigeria too and the future here is to have an encouraging policy environment for this.

Building intra-regional trade in West Africa is an important part of the way forward for Africa, provided that inefficiencies and corruption are reduced. Certainly this is not the time for protectionism

Getting rid of malaria in Nigeria

2009-09-08T15:56:29+01:00

Great news that the programme to get rid of malaria in Nigeria and distribute over 63 million nets got a significant boost last week. The idea is to get two nets distributed to every household by the end of next year, reaching over 30 million homes and hopefully saving thousands of lives. In fact, Nigeria counts for over a quarter of all cases of malaria in Africa.

The UK and others are working together, supporting government health services in rolling this out, including £50 million of British aid delivered through DfID. The shocking statistic is that half of all Nigerians get infected with malaria each year, and over 30% of childhood deaths and 11% of maternal deaths are caused by it. And those deaths are preventable. Hopefully that will change with this new push. Picture by Williams Daniel.

Giving more attention to agriculture

2009-09-02T16:52:01+01:00

As elsewhere in Africa, land is so important. The world economic downturn has focused ever more attention on Nigeria’s need to diversify its economy. With 80 to 90 million people, in other words up to 70% of the population, dependent on agriculture – which also supplies 42% of GDP – it is an obvious area for priority. The government is giving more attention to agriculture, which is good. Putting emphasis on commercial agriculture makes great sense. The tropical agriculture research done in Ibadan has been helpful. Good infrastructure and services and support is needed for the farmers. It was interesting to call on Oxfam to hear more about their livelihoods, food and agricultural development strategy in many of Nigeria’s States, where they are trying to ensure that the interests of small scale farmers are properly recognised. Should it not also be a priority to 'bring on' small scale farmers, helping them improve productivity and inputs, and helping them convert into small commercial farmers themselves? Access to land also needs to be decided fairly and not just handed out at political whim. Getting the new land legislation right will be critical

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2009-09-01T19:55:07+01:00

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British business in Africa

2009-08-28T17:02:04+01:00

Opened a conference in Lagos of all our UK Trade and Investment officers in Africa- as well as the London team. They're doing a great job in helping British business help Africa. In difficult times of global downturn the standards and quality offered by UK companies give them a special advantage. And the logic for African Governments to push forward their economic and political reforms- and create bigger markets by regional integration- is stronger than ever.

It is also a no-brainer that African Governments can push on with policy decisions that can help the business environment and help the private sector transform their countries. Such as tackling issues of governance, banking prudential requirements, bringing transparency, adopting international standards, looking outwards and refusing to be protectionist. All this will help African economies in challenging times. Britain remains Africa's gateway to the global economy as it starts to recover.

Not easy times for many African economies given commodity prices, tighter credit and a pause button on some internationally financed projects but medium and long term growth prospects are good. With our strong diversified economy, industry, products, services- and our own helpful business environment and global networks- the UK remains Africa's logical partner. Excellent evening event was sponsored by Standard Chartered who are doing great things in Nigerian banking.

Rain is a blessing

2009-08-26T10:13:45+01:00

Rain is a blessing. Economists talk of growth of the economy from inward investment and better policy and governance. Quite right. But is a good 'climate' for economic growth more important in the minds of the poor- and this is still the country with the most poor people in Africa- than rain which grows their food?

So as I wait for a plane to Lagos looking out at the downpour, delay of take-off is a plus not a minus. Let it rain!

Mutual interest in managing migration

2009-08-18T14:30:13+01:00

Just back in Abuja having had some leave in the UK and participated in roundtable migration talks with senior Nigerian Government officials. Once again a very useful opportunity to exchange views on all the different parts of this important agenda.

The relationship with Nigeria is so much about people. Naturally this turned out to be an opportunity for both sides to explain how they saw things and the outcome was very positive, although the main Nigerian concerns continue to be visas to the UK and the conditions for that. We agreed that we must collaborate closely, including UK help for capacity building and reform. We have a lot of contacts at all levels with all the relevant ministries, explaining latest development and policy, including the points-based system and as much information as possible is put on the internet. But we all agreed to renew our efforts to do even more to ensure the best communication in both directions.

We all have a mutual interest in managing migration, encouraging legitimate migration but discouraging illegal migrants and those who wish to do us harm.

Awareness about the environment

2009-07-14T16:00:40+01:00

Participated in a thought provoking round table discussion last week in Lagos on climate change, organised by the British Council. The State of Lagos is doing a lot to raise awareness about the environment but the urgency of climate change has still to strike home to everyone.

Naturally in Lagos, much of which is very low lying, there is a lot of discussion of sea level rise and what it means. But my message was not to panic; instead there are things that all leaders, all individuals can do. And, besides better planning, there should be great opportunities for use of new technology and funding that we hope will be part of the deal for developing countries at the December Copenhagen summit.

So far as the UK team goes, we decided to work as much as possible with both the private sector and Lagos state Government in coming months, trying to improve shared understanding and joint cooperation between them. Also trying to help on waste management and other specific areas.

Great to see Lord Sebastian Coe in Abuja..

2009-07-09T10:45:43+01:00

Great to see Lord Sebastian Coe in Abuja, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the 2012 Olympic Games. I remember watching him break those 800 and 1500 metre records!

Besides talking to other organising committees and Olympic representatives from all round the world, he spared time to meet the Minister of Sport. The London Games wants to be Games for everyone. And one of the great things about the 2012 Games is the International Inspirations project, which is linked to it and already under way. It will use the spirit of the Olympic Games to change the lives of young people in many countries all around the world and thus leave a special legacy.

What better way than sport to reach out to inspire youngsters- including the poor and disadvantaged- in countries such as Nigeria. I think sport can empower them, can motivate them, can bring them together, can give them hope, happiness, pride and friendship. With the help of the British Council and UK Sport this project will try to help the Nigerian Sports authorities to develop sports policies and curricula and activities over the next few years. On that note I better stop blogging and go for a run!

New BBC World Service Director visits Nigeria

2009-07-06T12:57:13+01:00

A splendid 'soap opera' drama was acted out on our lawn by the BBC World Service Trust. Local actors were staging a scene about local corruption over the (non) repair of a road and the death of someone driving on it. At the end one of the actors came round with the microphone asking some of us in the audience who we thought was responsible! Makes you think.

That's the good thing about what the BBC World Service Trust do in Nigeria where they produce radio dramas- like soap operas- and discussion programmes about key issues that affect the life of ordinary people. This is real communication for development, poverty reduction and human rights. There are millions of devoted Nigerian listeners for these programmes (one of the names is ‘Story Story’) which are broadcast in English and local languages. They raise awareness about so many social issues including HIV, human rights, governance, you name it. People identify with the characters and get better knowledge and understanding of social and development issues. That means they can make more informed choices and build better lives.

The reason for the performance was the first visit to Nigeria by the new BBC World Service Director, Peter Horrocks. The BBC World Service is renowned for its independence, objectivity and balanced reporting. That's why millions and millions of people all around the world- including in Nigeria- trust it and depend on it for accurate information and news. Accurate information is so important in giving people everywhere better information, understanding and choices.

Towards achieving the Arms Trade Treaty

2009-06-17T15:29:41+01:00

The UK's goal to achieve an international Arms Trade Treaty reminds me of the extent to which small arms- as well as more sophisticated weapons- are damaging peace and development in Africa, not least in Nigeria's Niger Delta. The UK has been supporting efforts to stop the flow of small arms across the whole of the West African region, including into Nigeria.

Unfortunately gangs are still able to get small arms and to use them to try to extort money by illegally 'bunkering' crude oil or by kidnapping innocent people. Of course there needs to be development and better governance and human rights (the communities in the Niger Delta need to see the benefits of the oil and gas revenue produced in their areas) and a political settlement and a cease-fire and better security.

But the illicit arms trade, often financed by proceeds of criminality or drugs, is helping prevent a breakthrough. Young people everywhere in Nigeria need development, training, education, jobs. They need a better life, not guns.

House of Commons Committee visits Nigeria

2009-06-16T08:57:21+01:00

The international Development Committee of the House of Commons are here to review the DFID programme in Nigeria and also to look at urban poverty. What better way to start than to look at the issues facing Lagos, the mega-city of West Africa and one of the largest in the world. Urban poverty is often forgotten in Africa but ever more people are migrating to cities looking for a better life.

Lagos has particular issues because it is very low-lying near the sea. Transport provides special problems- there are already some amazing motorways over the swamps. Affordable housing and other services are also needed on a large scale.

The UK through DFID is already helping the State to fast track legal processes in courts and land registry. Basic issues for development. But one real headache confronting the city right now is how to plan best for sea level rise in the face of global warming. We want to help the dynamic State government in confronting such challenges.

The Media: Giving information and helping to improve transparency and accountability.

2009-06-10T14:12:48+01:00

Had an interesting few days meeting some of the media companies I had not visited before. This is a growing industry, with many newspapers now on line and many TV companies broadcast around Africa and the world.

There are issues as in most countries (eg it’s useful to know who owns what which helps explain the angle they take sometimes). In general the media here are so important in giving citizens information and in helping improve transparency and accountability. Ever freer access to information must be a priority in this new democratic phase.

UK Heads of Mission from West Africa meets in Abuja

2009-06-02T16:17:34+01:00

A special event this week- the getting together in Abuja of all the UK Heads of Mission from up and down West Africa. The idea is to work better together; to work better with our other international friends; and above all to support ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) to operate more effectively.

We believe in helping building Africa's capacity to sort out its own problems. ECOWAS are taking the lead regionally in keeping peace and security, in building post-conflict stability and democracy and in promoting trade and regional integration. There are new threats like drugs and terrorism undermining the region - and also the difficulties posed by the global economic recession.

So it's more important than ever that ECOWAS exerts influence on its states to meet internationally acceptable standards. Making sure states act constitutionally and that there is no reversion to military regimes is one key task. Bringing about free and fair elections, with independent electoral institutions within an increasingly accountable and transparent system which citizens can trust, is another.

And a third is to continue to improve the free movement of goods and people within the region, and to encourage more effective engagement with the rest of the world, to stimulate competition, investment and improved jobs and wealth for its citizens. We're keen to help on all these in a genuine partnership, as we made clear to Dr Chambas the President of the Commission and to the Foreign Minister of Nigeria- the country currently Chairing ECOWAS.

Sport is such a great way of empowering young people

2009-05-28T10:12:46+01:00

Had an interesting chat with the Minister of Sport. Sport is such a great way of empowering young people and getting communities involved, as well as bringing countries together.

Minister has good ideas for improving facilities throughout the country, not just for football but for all sports. Nigeria has such potential! I explained how we hope that the Olympics in London will help bring about a "heritage" effect in many of our important partner countries such as Nigeria, e.g. helping bring sport into disadvantaged schools and improving the curricula, training etc.

I also gave him a first hand account of the exciting launch last week at Wembley of the England 2018 World Cup bid which had been attended by David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and many of the 1966 team.

Not only does England already have great infrastructure, but also it has tremendous passion for the game on the part of its fans and communities at all levels. Again, rather like the Olympics, it will be a tremendous event for the international community as well as for the UK.

The solar alternative

2009-05-19T10:26:40+01:00

Also visited a company making solar panel/ power packs. Already making an impact in terms of powering fridges for vaccines, with great potential for street lights, small businesses, offices, isolated communities etc.

The national power grid is not working well up here and many operations in Kano are on 24 hour generators.