The United Kingdom has
indicated its preparedness to enhance security in the Niger Delta by addressing the issue of environmental pollution and creating employment opportunities for the people.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, gave the indication during a courtesy call on the Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson in Government House, Yenagoa recently.
Accompanied  by Mr. Edward Dunn, Political Secretary, Niger Delta and Mr. Osaro Odemwingie, Senior Political Adviser of the High Commission he said his visit to Bayelsa State was part of efforts to explore the Niger Delta, with a view to understanding the challenges facing the people.
According to him, the reasons for insecurity in the Niger Delta were deep-rooted, stressing the need to address the problems, through the creation of employment opportunities, particularly for the youths.
He said part of his job as the British High Commissioner to Nigeria involved encouraging companies in the United Kingdom to invest in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta, which he described as a significant region.
“Part of my job is to try to encourage British companies to come and invest in Nigeria, the Niger Delta region and indeed in Bayelsa State and help create jobs and employment opportunities to see what we can do on the security front in broad terms.
”There are deep-rooted reasons for insecurity here. I think it is important for all of us to collectively tackle the source of the problems and I’m here to listen, to learn about how the UK can support the Governor and his team.”
In his remarks, Dickson described the visit of the envoy to Bayelsa State as important saying that the state occupies a strategic location in the Niger Delta, coupled with its vital role in the oil and gas industry.
He lauded the British High Commissioner to Nigeria for his efforts in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries and reiterated government’s commitment to the security of lives and property in the state.
The Governor, who applauded the British Government, United Nations and other partners for the Ogoni land clean up initiative, called for its extension to other affected parts of the Niger Delta.
Dickson also commended Arkwright for his decision to explore the Niger Delta, with a view to experiencing first hand; the living conditions of the people vis-à-vis, the natural resources in the region.