Boris Johnson claims he feels ‘perfectly safe’ in Nigeria despite insecurity
Boris Johnson, former British Prime Minister, on Thursday said he felt “perfectly safe” during his visit to Nigeria, countering widespread reports of worsening insecurity in the country.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, Johnson said he was not discouraged by repeated warnings about Nigeria’s security situation before he embarked on the trip.
“When I decided to come to Owerri, I read some things, and there were people saying, ‘There may be some security problems in Nigeria.’ Have you heard that?” he asked the audience. “And I said, ‘Well, I am going to go anyway.’”
Looking around the conference hall, he added: “Let me ask you: do you feel safe here today in this conference? Yes, we all feel safe. And I feel perfectly safe. Thank you, Governor, for what you are doing.”
Johnson’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is confronting renewed waves of violence, including mass kidnappings, bandit attacks, and communal clashes. Just last month, more than 300 students and teachers were abducted in Niger State, with several other incidents reported across the northern region.
Concerns about the spike in attacks have attracted global attention, including a recent warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect vulnerable groups, especially Christian communities.
Despite these challenges, Johnson applauded Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for his ambitious plan to ensure 24-hour electricity supply, describing the vision as both bold and achievable through emerging technologies. “Your focus on electricity is completely right,” he said.
“What is the future? The future is AI. For clean, sustainable electricity — and because of AI — it’s going to be colossal.”
He added: “I congratulate you for what you are doing to secure clean and sustainable power for Imo State and for the whole of Nigeria.”
The former UK leader used the platform to celebrate the longstanding ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, calling the relationship mutually beneficial. “I am very proud of what we export to Nigeria — pharmaceuticals, bankers, services of all kinds,” he said.
“And you send us so much in return — oil and gas, Nollywood movies, brilliant doctors, nurses, technicians, and tech geniuses from Nigeria. We are very, very grateful.”
In a lighter moment, Johnson joked: “We send you former United Kingdom prime ministers, and you send us future United Kingdom prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch.”
The summit attracted prominent global and national figures, including 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.
Governor Uzodimma said Johnson’s presence demonstrated growing international confidence in Imo State’s economic direction.
While Nigeria continues to grapple with surging insecurity — from abductions to religious tensions — Johnson insisted his experience in Imo State challenged global perceptions.
“I feel perfectly safe,” he repeated. “Nigeria has incredible potential, and what is happening here today shows a state determined to secure its future.”
