Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday said he felt “perfectly safe” during his visit to Nigeria, dismissing security concerns that had been raised ahead of his trip to Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Johnson made the statement while delivering the keynote address at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
“I want you to know that when I decided to come to Owerri, I read some things, and there were people saying, ‘There may be some security problems in Nigeria.’ I said, ‘I am going to go anyway.’ And let me ask you: do you feel safe here today in this conference? Yes, we all feel safe. And I feel perfectly safe,” he said, praising the governor for his efforts.
The former UK leader also commended Governor Uzodimma’s push to provide 24-hour electricity in Imo State, calling it a critical step for economic growth.
He emphasized the role of artificial intelligence in supporting sustainable and clean energy initiatives.
“Your focus on electricity is completely right. What is the future? The future is AI. For clean, sustainable electricity—and because of AI—it’s going to be colossal. I congratulate you for securing power for Imo State and Nigeria as a whole,” Johnson added.
He also highlighted the long-standing cultural and professional ties between Nigeria and Britain, noting the exchange of skilled professionals in sectors such as medicine, technology, and entertainment.
The summit was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, businessman Aliko Dangote, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and several state governors.
Johnson’s visit comes amid renewed security concerns in Nigeria, following recent mass abductions and attacks across several states, including the kidnapping of more than 300 students and teachers in Niger State.
