The United Kingdom and Nigeria have launched a £15 million growth programme aimed at attracting private investment, supporting economic reforms and accelerating long-term economic expansion in Africa’s largest economy.
Announcement During UK Minister’s Visit
The initiative was announced during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Jenny Chapman, who held talks with senior government officials in Abuja and Kaduna as part of efforts to strengthen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
According to a statement issued by the British High Commission in Abuja, the UK-Nigeria Growth Programme will run for three years and is designed to help Nigeria transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustainable, reform-driven growth by unlocking private sector investment and enhancing economic opportunities.
The programme was a major focus of discussions between Chapman and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, during a meeting in Abuja.
Digital Economy Collaboration
The UK also announced plans to deepen collaboration in Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under its Digital Access Programme. The initiative will support digital governance reforms in five states, reduce regulatory barriers and encourage greater investment in broadband infrastructure, digital services and emerging technologies.
Minister Oyedele’s Remarks
Speaking on the development, Oyedele described the UK-Nigeria relationship as one of the most important partnerships for both countries. “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 noted that the new programme would support capital market development, technology investments, small businesses and technical assistance. “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.
Meetings with Trade Minister and Kaduna Governor
As part of the visit, Chapman also met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, to review progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership. Discussions focused on expanding exports through trade schemes, strengthening fintech cooperation and deepening links between the capital markets of both countries.
In Kaduna, the UK minister held talks with Governor Uba Sani on opportunities to build on more than two decades of partnership between the state and the UK. She also engaged members of the business community and institutional investors on investment opportunities, climate finance and strategies for mobilising capital to support development projects.
Support for Livestock and Healthcare
The visit included interactions with livestock breeders and community animal health workers, where discussions centred on UK-backed support for improved breeding methods, animal healthcare and livestock vaccination programmes. Chapman further visited the Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre in Kaduna South, which serves about 20,000 residents, where she met patients and frontline health workers benefiting from UK-supported health interventions.
UK Minister’s Reflections
Reflecting on the visit, Chapman said the engagements reinforced her confidence in the future of the UK-Nigeria partnership. “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.
Existing UK Investments in Nigeria
The British High Commission said the latest initiative builds on substantial UK investments in Nigeria. Through British International Investment, nearly $800 million has been invested in sectors including agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing.
The statement also noted that UK Export Finance is supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports through a financing package valued at about $1 billion, a move expected to improve trade logistics and stimulate wider commercial activity.
It added that Nigerian businesses are increasingly using the UK as a platform for international growth, with seven Nigerian banks now operating in the UK and London playing a growing role in helping Nigerian firms access global capital markets.
The launch of the growth programme follows President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026 and subsequent engagements at the Global Partnerships Conference in London.
