The United Kingdom has unveiled a £15 million Growth Programme for Nigeria aimed at attracting private investment, accelerating economic reforms and supporting the country’s transition to sustainable economic growth, in a move that underscores the strengthening economic partnership between both nations.
The initiative was announced in Abuja on Friday by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, following a two-day official visit during which she held high-level meetings with government officials, investors and community stakeholders.
The three-year programme is designed to support Nigeria’s economic transformation through capital market development, technology-driven investments and targeted technical assistance to key sectors of the economy. It was unveiled after discussions with Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.
The latest intervention reflects a growing shift in UK-Nigeria relations from traditional development cooperation towards a partnership focused on investment, trade and shared economic prosperity.
Speaking on the initiative, Oyedele described the UK-Nigeria relationship as one of the most significant bilateral partnerships for both countries, noting that it is increasingly centred on driving economic growth and development.
According to him, the programme is expected to create opportunities in capital market expansion, technology investments and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, while helping to advance reforms needed to sustain long-term economic progress.
As part of the broader collaboration, the United Kingdom also announced expanded support for Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.
The project will support digital governance reforms in five Nigerian states by addressing regulatory barriers, encouraging broadband infrastructure investment and promoting innovation in digital services and emerging technologies.
Chapman also met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to discuss measures aimed at strengthening trade relations under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), expanding Nigerian exports to the UK market and deepening cooperation in fintech, innovation and capital market development.
Beyond Abuja, the UK minister visited Kaduna State, where she held discussions with Governor Uba Sani on over two decades of partnership between the British Government and the state.
During the visit, she engaged business leaders and institutional investors on strategies for attracting investment and climate finance, while also meeting livestock breeders and animal health workers benefiting from UK-supported agricultural development programmes.
Chapman further visited the Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre, which serves approximately 20,000 residents, where she interacted with patients and healthcare workers to assess the impact of UK-backed health interventions.
Reflecting on her engagements, the minister described Nigeria as a strategic partner of the United Kingdom and expressed confidence in the future of bilateral relations.
She said discussions held during the visit reinforced her belief that the partnership was producing tangible results across critical sectors, including economic reform, healthcare, investment promotion and digital transformation.
The new Growth Programme builds on substantial UK investments already committed to Nigeria. According to figures released by the British Government, British International Investment has invested nearly $800 million in Nigeria across agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing sectors.
In addition, UK Export Finance is supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports through a financing package valued at approximately $1 billion, a project expected to enhance trade efficiency and stimulate broader economic activity.
The announcement comes amid growing diplomatic and economic engagement between both countries, following President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom earlier this year and subsequent discussions at the Global Partnerships Conference in London, where leaders explored new opportunities for investment, trade and economic cooperation.
Observers say the latest initiative reflects increasing confidence in Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and signals a renewed commitment by both countries to strengthening commercial ties and promoting sustainable economic growth.
