To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to use development assistance to encourage growth and investment in Nigeria.

The Bilateral Aid Review identified the importance of doing more to encourage growth and investment in Nigeria. The Prime Minister and I focused on improving trade and investment opportunities between Nigeria and the UK during our joint visit to the country in July this year. I also pushed forward this agenda on my visit in June.

Over the next four years British development assistance will be used to reduce the constraints on doing business and improve opportunities for investment. Examples include supporting reforms in the power sector, improving roads and other transport facilities, and supporting better access to financial services. British aid will help create investment opportunities in sectors which have the potential to create more jobs, such as agriculture, construction, and trade.

The Department continues to work closely with other international financial agencies such as the World Bank, and other parts of Her Majesty's Government to encourage investment in Nigeria.