The United Kingdom has launched a £15 million economic growth programme for Nigeria aimed at attracting private investment, supporting ongoing reforms and creating opportunities for long-term economic development.
The new initiative was announced during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Jenny Chapman. During the visit, she met with senior government officials in Abuja and Kaduna as part of efforts to strengthen economic and development ties between both countries.
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The three-year UK-Nigeria Growth Programme is designed to help Nigeria build on recent economic reforms by encouraging private sector investment, boosting business confidence and creating an environment that supports sustainable growth.
A key part of the discussions took place during Chapman’s meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele. Both sides explored ways to deepen cooperation and support Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.
In addition to the growth programme, the UK announced plans to expand collaboration in Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under its Digital Access Programme. The project will support digital governance reforms in five states, improve access to broadband infrastructure and encourage investment in technology and digital services.
Speaking on the partnership, Oyedele described the UK-Nigeria relationship as one of the most important bilateral partnerships for both countries. He said the new programme would support capital market development, technology investment, small businesses and technical assistance needed to drive economic progress.
The UK minister also met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, where discussions focused on expanding trade opportunities, strengthening cooperation in the fintech sector and deepening connections between the capital markets of both countries.
During her visit to Kaduna State, Chapman held talks with Governor Uba Sani and members of the business community on investment opportunities, climate finance and strategies for attracting capital to support development projects.
She also visited livestock breeders and community animal health workers benefiting from UK-backed agricultural support programmes. At the Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre in Kaduna South, Chapman met frontline health workers and residents receiving support through UK-funded health initiatives.
Reflecting on the visit, Chapman expressed confidence in the future of the UK-Nigeria partnership, describing it as strong, practical and beneficial to both nations.
According to the British High Commission, the new programme builds on existing UK investments in Nigeria. Through British International Investment, nearly $800 million has already been invested in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing. The UK is also supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports through a financing package worth about $1 billion.
Officials say the latest initiative marks another step in deepening economic cooperation between both countries while creating new opportunities for growth, investment and job creation.
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