Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday said he felt “completely safe” during his visit to Nigeria, pushing back against negative security reports circulated before his trip to Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma, Johnson recounted that some people had warned him about possible security issues in Nigeria, but he chose to travel regardless.
“I read a few things before coming to Owerri, and some people were saying there might be security problems in Nigeria. And I said, ‘Well, I’m going anyway.’
Let me ask: do you feel safe here today at this conference? Yes, we all feel safe. And I feel perfectly safe. Thank you, Governor, for what you are doing,” he said.
Johnson also praised Uzodimma’s ambition to deliver round-the-clock electricity to Imo State, calling it a key step for economic development. He highlighted artificial intelligence as a major driver in achieving clean and sustainable power, describing AI as “the future.”
He further reflected on Nigeria–UK relations, noting the long-standing cultural and professional exchanges between both countries.
“I’m proud of what we export to Nigeria… and what you send us in return—oil and gas, Nollywood films, outstanding doctors, nurses, technicians, and tech innovators. We are very grateful.
We send you former UK prime ministers, and you send us future ones—like Kemi Badenoch,” he quipped.
The summit also featured Vice President Kashim Shettima (representing President Bola Tinubu), former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Aliko Dangote, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and several governors.
Johnson’s comments come amid heightened security concerns in Nigeria, following multiple mass abductions in recent weeks, including the kidnapping of more than 300 students and teachers in Niger State.
