Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria

Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has praised UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, describing her as a “future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom” during his visit to Nigeria for the Imo State Economic Summit 2025.

Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his efforts to boost economic development and improve security, noting that he felt “perfectly safe” despite earlier warnings about Nigeria’s security situation.

Johnson highlighted the state government’s push to deliver 24-hour electricity, stressing that reliable power and clean, sustainable energy are essential for economic growth as the world moves into an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.

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He also emphasized the strong historical and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, praising the exchange of goods, services, and highly skilled professionals between both countries.

In a humorous remark that sparked applause, Johnson said: “We send you former UK prime ministers, and you send us future UK prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch.”

The summit, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, business mogul Aliko Dangote, and other top government and private-sector leaders, focused on strategies to accelerate Imo State’s economic transformation.

Boris Johnson Hails Kemi Badenoch as “Future UK Prime Minister” During Visit to Nigeria