The United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a new £15 million economic growth initiative designed to attract private-sector investment, advance key reforms, and support sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
The announcement was made during a two-day official visit to Nigeria by the UK’s Minister for Africa and International Development, Jenny Chapman. During her trip, she engaged with senior government officials in Abuja and Kaduna to reinforce the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership and explore new areas of cooperation.
According to the British High Commission in Abuja, the UK-Nigeria Growth Programme will span three years and aims to help Nigeria move beyond macroeconomic stabilisation towards long-term, reform-led growth. The initiative seeks to unlock investment opportunities, strengthen private-sector participation, and create broader economic prospects.
A key aspect of Chapman’s discussions in Abuja was the programme’s role in supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation. The initiative was highlighted during meetings with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.
In addition, the UK revealed plans to expand cooperation in Nigeria’s digital sector through the SPRIRET project, which operates under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.
Speaking on the partnership, Oyedele emphasised the importance of the longstanding relationship between both countries, noting that it has evolved beyond traditional diplomatic ties to focus on economic development, shared prosperity, and sustainable growth.
“We continue to value the UK-Nigeria relationship, one of the most important partnerships for both our countries. Today that relationship extends beyond traditional ties and now focuses on development, growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
He explained that the new programme would contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s capital markets, encouraging technology investments, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and providing technical expertise where needed. According to Oyedele, the initiative represents a practical step toward deepening bilateral cooperation and creating opportunities that will generate lasting economic benefits for both nations.
“The UK-Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life, supporting capital market development, technology investment, small businesses and technical assistance. We look forward to seeing how these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries,” Oyedele added.
Chapman also met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, to assess progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership. Their discussions centred on increasing export opportunities through trade agreements, enhancing collaboration in the fintech sector, and strengthening connections between the financial markets of both countries.
During her visit to Kaduna, the UK minister held talks with Governor Uba Sani, focusing on ways to expand the state’s longstanding partnership with the United Kingdom, which has spanned more than two decades.
Reflecting on her visit, Chapman expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, describing the partnership as strong, meaningful, and steadily progressing.
She noted that her engagements—from launching the new Growth Programme with Minister Oyedele to interacting with healthcare workers in Kaduna—demonstrated Nigeria’s ambition and the positive impact of the partnership on both countries.
“This visit has reinforced everything I believe about the UK-Nigeria partnership. That it is deep, it is real, and it is moving in the right direction,” she said.
“From launching our new Growth Programme with Honourable Minister Oyedele to meeting frontline health workers in Kaduna, every conversation this week has shown me a country full of ambition and a partnership that is genuinely delivering for both sides.”
She added that the UK remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s development aspirations.
“Nigeria is a partner that the UK is proud to stand alongside and I leave more convinced than ever that the next chapter of this partnership is its most exciting yet. The UK is here for the long term, and we are ready to grow together,” Chapman stated.
Chapman reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development goals, stating that the UK remains a reliable long-term partner ready to work alongside Nigeria in achieving shared growth and prosperity.
The British High Commission added that the new programme complements existing UK investments in Nigeria. Through British International Investment, close to $800 million has already been committed to sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
The statement further revealed that UK Export Finance is backing the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports through a financing arrangement worth approximately $1 billion. The project is expected to enhance trade efficiency, improve logistics infrastructure, and stimulate broader economic activity across the country.
