Boris Johnson Insists He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria Despite Worsening Insecurity
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that he feels “perfectly safe” in Nigeria, even as the country grapples with escalating security threats. Johnson made the remark on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 held in Owerri. His comments come at a time when Nigeria faces recurrent mass kidnappings, banditry, and communal violence, sparking both domestic and global alarm.
Addressing the audience, Johnson acknowledged the warnings he received about potential dangers before embarking 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,” he told participants, according to reports by The PUNCH. “But I said, ‘I am going to go anyway.’”
He then turned the question to the crowd: “Let me ask you — do you feel safe here today in this conference?” After receiving nods and responses, he declared, “Yes, we all feel safe. And I feel perfectly safe. Thank you, Governor, for what you are doing.”
His statements arrive amid serious security incidents across the country. In November, more than 300 students and teachers were kidnapped in Niger State, one of several mass abductions recorded across northern Nigeria within weeks. International voices — including U.S. President Donald Trump — recently criticized Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, accusing the government of doing too little to protect vulnerable groups, especially Christians.
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Despite this, Johnson maintained a tone of optimism throughout his speech, praising Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s plan to deliver 24-hour electricity across the state. He described the initiative as ambitious yet achievable, noting the increasing role of artificial intelligence in transforming global energy systems. “Your focus on electricity is completely right,” he said. “The future is AI, and for clean, sustainable electricity — because of AI — it’s going to be colossal.”
Johnson highlighted long-standing economic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, calling the relationship mutually beneficial. He listed some of the UK’s major exports to Nigeria — pharmaceuticals, financial services, and other professional services — while acknowledging what Nigeria sends in return: oil, gas, entertainment products, and a steady flow of skilled professionals including doctors and tech talent. “We are very, very grateful,” he remarked.
In a humorous aside, he added: “We send you former United Kingdom prime ministers, and you send us future United Kingdom prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch.”
Johnson’s presence at the summit underscored broader international interest in Nigeria’s economic future. The event brought together high-profile figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, and several governors and ministers.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized that Johnson’s visit signals renewed global confidence in Imo State’s economic direction. However, critics argue that political leaders frequently prioritize hosting foreign dignitaries over addressing systemic infrastructure collapse and worsening insecurity.
Johnson’s confident remarks sharply contrast Nigeria’s recent experiences: surges in kidnappings, rural attacks, and tensions over religious persecution. Despite these realities, he insisted that his time in Imo State was evidence that perceptions of Nigeria often differ from lived experiences.
“I feel perfectly safe,” he repeated. “Nigeria has incredible potential, and what is happening here today shows a state determined to secure its future.”
His comments have since generated an outpouring of reactions — ranging from praise for his courage to skepticism, criticism, and outright mockery across online platforms. Yet Johnson’s message remains clear: he sees promise where many see peril, and he believes Nigeria’s path forward is still filled with opportunity.