Florence Eshalomi, a British politician of Nigerian descent, has been named the United Kingdom’s new trade envoy to Nigeria.
Eshalomi shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, expressing her enthusiasm for strengthening economic ties between both nations.
“It is an honour to have been appointed as the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria.
“I’m looking forward to building on my close ties with Nigeria to promote a strong and flourishing economic relationship between our two great nations.
“I am looking forward to building on the UK’s relationship with Nigeria, to help explore shared growth and opportunities for both countries,” Eshalomi stated.
Her appointment makes her the second Nigerian to hold this position, following Helen Grant.
Jonathan Reynolds, the UK’s Business and Trade Secretary, highlighted the significance of international trade and investment in driving economic progress while unveiling a new team of 32 trade envoys.
“I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth,” Reynolds said.
Eshalomi’s Political Journey
A seasoned politician, Eshalomi has been a prominent figure in British politics. She was first elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Vauxhall in 2019, succeeding Kate Hoey.
Following the 2024 elections, she now represents the newly established Vauxhall and Camberwell Green constituency.
Her political career includes serving as a London Assembly Member (AM) for Lambeth and Southwark from 2016 to 2021.
As an MP, she has focused on key issues such as transport, housing, and equality, and currently chairs the Housing, Communities, and Local Government Committee.
Eshalomi holds a BA (Hons) in Political and International Studies with Law from Middlesex University. She began working at the age of 16 at Sainsbury’s before transitioning into public affairs and advocacy.
Over the years, she has served as a policy officer in local government and played a strategic role in the Labour Party’s 2005 general election campaign as a regional organiser.
Her new role as trade envoy underscores her growing influence in UK politics and her commitment to fostering stronger economic ties between Britain and Nigeria.
