Lagos — United Kingdom has taken steps to improve trade relations with Nigeria as its trade mission yesterday commenced a four-day trade visit to the country. It has also warned its nationals to be wary of the security situation in the troubled Niger Delta region.

Deputy British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr James Tansley said the trade mission was meant to further strengthen ties between the UK and Nigeria.

Representatives of 15 British organisations and companies promoting wide range of products and services were in Lagos to interact with potential and prospective business people in the country.

The visit, according to the Deputy High Commissioner, was organized by London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in conjunction with UK trade and investment, the United Kingdoms (UK) export and inward investment promotion body.

Head of World Trade at LCCI, Mr. Craig Pym said the mission was important "there is real feeling of optimism about Nigeria in the British business community. There have been a number of very positive developments recently and we are confident of seeing strong growth in Nigerian business."

He added that "the UK is well positioned to work with Nigerian companies to provide mutual benefit and business relations between many companies.

"I am confident that all the companies on this trade mission have a lot to offer their Nigerian counterparts and all have a commitment to work closely with their partners in the long run,' Pym stressed.

Some of the companies that participated in the mission were Shaz logistics, energy products providers, Risk Advisory Group, risk management company, Reclaim Appliances: pro recycling company, Mount laboratories, Harrogate Ladies College, Keating Chambers; a construction law firm and London Corporate Training, a management training firm.

The Deputy High Commissioner, while commending the Nigerian government over steps being taken to address the Niger Delta problem, warned British citizens to always be conscious of the security risk in the region.

He said it was imperative to caution British citizens, especially the trade mission, about the activities of militants in the Niger Delta area.

"The fear is there and the risk is real and we need to warn our people about it because they don't know the terrain. Although the Nigerian government has been doing a lot to manage the situation, they have been trying to address the Niger Delta problem, we would want them to keep handling it in a peaceful manner and ensure total security," the Deputy High Commissioner stressed.

Concerning the trade mission to Nigeria, he said it was part of the activities to improve trade relations with Nigeria. "They came to see ground for business development. They are not coming just to trade to also invest and build strong relationship with the country."

According to Mr Tansley, objective of the trade mission was to further promote free was to further promote free trade between Nigeria and the United kingdom "free trade means improved competition and improved competition means better service. With the prospect of improved economy in Nigeria through the different economic reforms of the present government, it is imperative for us to improve bilateral and multilateral relationship with Nigeria."