Boris Johnson Visits Nigeria, Calls Kemi Badenoch Future UK Prime Minister

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch as a future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during his visit to Nigeria.

Johnson made the remark on Thursday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, during his address at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025, hosted by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

While recounting his decision to visit Nigeria despite negative security reports, the former UK leader said he felt completely safe in the country.

“When I decided to come to Owerri, I read some things and there were people saying there may be some security problems in Nigeria. But I said I would go anyway. Do you feel safe here today? We all feel safe. And I feel perfectly safe. Thank you, Governor, for what you are doing,” Johnson said.

He commended Governor Uzodimma for his efforts to drive economic transformation in Imo State, particularly through the move to provide 24-hour electricity. Johnson said reliable power supply is critical for development, adding that Artificial Intelligence would shape the future of global economies.

“Your focus on electricity is absolutely right. The future is AI. For clean, sustainable power, demand is going to be colossal. I congratulate you for what you are doing to secure clean and sustainable electricity for Imo State and for Nigeria,” he said.

Johnson also highlighted the strong historical and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Britain, noting the growing exchange of professionals and goods between both countries.

“We send pharmaceuticals, bankers, services of all kinds and automotive parts. In return, you send oil and gas, Nollywood films, brilliant doctors, nurses, technicians and tech innovators from Nigeria. We are very grateful,” he said.

In a light-hearted remark that drew applause, Johnson added: “We send you former United Kingdom prime ministers, and you send us future United Kingdom prime ministers in the form of Kemi Badenoch.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu at the summit. Other dignitaries in attendance included former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, business mogul Aliko Dangote, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, several state governors and other top government and business leaders.

Boris Johnson Visits Nigeria, Calls Kemi Badenoch Future UK Prime Minister is first published on The Whistler Newspaper