United Kingdom has appointed Mark Smithson as the new Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that Smithson, an experienced civil servant with a diverse background in trade, investment, and consular services, succeeds Chim Chalemera, who completed a three-year posting in the role.
According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Smithson will lead efforts to boost trade and investment relations between the UK and Nigeria, driving high-value investments and exports, and supporting market access and trade policy priorities.
Smithson expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, highlighting the significance of Nigeria to the UK and the world.
“Our historical, cultural, people-to-people, and business ties are deep and ever-growing,” he said.
“I look forward to forging partnerships with the Nigerian government, private sector, and UK supply chain to seize opportunities and deliver a more prosperous future for both our countries.”
Prior to his appointment, Smithson led the DBT’s capital investment agenda in London and previously served in various roles in Spain, the US, and Thailand, focusing on trade, investment, and consular services.
