Former United Kingdom Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has dismissed the widely circulated notion that Nigeria is overwhelmed by insecurity, insisting that the country is safe and open for investment.
Johnson made the assertion on Thursday in Owerri, Imo State, during the maiden Imo Economic Summit hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Speaking at the event, the former British leader said his experience from Lagos to Owerri contradicted warnings he received before the trip. According to him, several people had attempted to dissuade him from coming to Nigeria, citing security concerns.
“I told them I was going to come anyway, and here I am—safe. I feel perfectly safe, and the streets are also safe,” he said.
Johnson added that his interactions and observations showed that Nigeria upholds the rule of law—an essential condition, he noted, for attracting sustainable global investment.
A statement issued after the summit quoted the former UK Prime Minister as commending Governor Uzodimma for his infrastructure drive, especially in road construction, as well as his emphasis on sustainable electricity supply and digital skills development.
He noted that Uzodimma’s commitment to empowering young people with digital capacity aligns with the global shift toward artificial intelligence and technology-driven economies.
Johnson described the Imo State Governor as a visionary leader “focused on the future and unlocking the state’s economic potential.”
