British PM visits Nigeria eyeing closer relations

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (R) shakes hands with visiting British Prime Minister Theresa May at the State House in Abuja, Nigeria, Aug. 29, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

Theresa May arrived in Abuja on Wednesday as part of her first visit to Africa as British prime minister, seeking closer relations on security and trade with Nigeria.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari met the visiting British prime minister at the State House. The two leaders started a behind-door meeting shortly after May's arrival around 1 p.m.

May's visit to Nigeria is the second leg of her tour of three African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.

After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral agreements on trade and defence and security.

May will visit Lagos, Nigeria's commercial center, after her short stay in Aubja.

May had announced plans to boost Britain's investment in Africa during her stay in South Africa.

In a speech in Cape Town, she pledged 4 billion British pound in support for African economies with a special focus on creating jobs for young people.