The United Kingdom has concluded its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, signalling a shift from diplomatic engagement to concrete commercial outcomes across key growth sectors.
The two-day mission, organised by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, brought together 43 delegates representing 30 British companies. The delegation engaged Nigerian stakeholders to explore partnerships and investment opportunities spanning multiple sectors.
Bilateral trade between both countries has reached a record £8.1 billion, with Nigeria retaining its position as the UK’s largest export market in Africa. Discussions during the mission focused on infrastructure, energy and power, water and environmental solutions, agriculture, financial and professional services, logistics and supply chains, standards and certification, as well as technology-driven sectors including education, aviation and communications.
These engagements align with the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, which prioritises areas where British expertise can support Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and long-term development agenda.
Beyond sectoral opportunities, both sides emphasised the need to reshape global perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting improvements in macroeconomic stability and its transition toward a reform-oriented, investment-friendly economy.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, described the mission as a demonstration of intent to translate political alignment into tangible business outcomes.
“This mission shows how we are converting strong bilateral relations into real commercial partnerships that benefit businesses in both countries,” he said.
Director-General of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi, noted that the strong participation by UK firms reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and market potential.
Also speaking, Vice Chairman of Hitech and ITB, Ronald Chagoury Jr., pointed to recent infrastructure milestones, including a $1 billion ports transaction backed by UK Export Finance, as evidence of sustained international investor interest.
Chief Executive of DMA Invest, Atam Sandhu, said the mission underscored the importance of structured, deal-focused engagement in translating strategic alignment into measurable commercial outcomes.
All 43 delegates participated in the UK–Nigeria Business Forum, where government officials and private sector leaders from both countries engaged directly to explore new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform priorities.
The mission is expected to deepen long-term economic cooperation by accelerating investment flows, strengthening business confidence, and supporting sustainable growth in both economies.
