Nigeria, UK expand strategic partnership with £15m growth initiative

The UK and Nigeria have taken a significant step forward in their strategic partnership, with the announcement of a £15 million Growth Programme aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s economic transformation.

The initiative was unveiled during a two-day visit to Nigeria by Baroness Jenny Chapman, the UK minister for Africa and International Development.

“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,” Baroness said in a statement.

She explained that, from launching the UK’s new Growth Programme with Nigeria, to meeting frontline health workers in Kaduna, every conversation has shown that Africa’s most populous nation is full of ambition and a partnership that delivers on both sides.

“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.”

The programme, which will span three years, is designed to unlock private investment and support Nigeria’s transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustained, reform-led growth.

During her visit, Chapman met with Taiwo Oyedele, Nigeria’s minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, to discuss the programme’s implementation.

The UK has also pledged deeper collaboration with Nigeria on digital economy reforms, including the SPRIRET initiative, which will support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states.

The move underscores the breadth and depth of the UK-Nigeria partnership, marking a significant step towards both countries’ shared priorities.

“We continue to value the UK–Nigeria relationship, one of the most important partnerships for both our countries,” Oyedele said.

“Today, that relationship extends beyond traditional ties and now focuses on development, growth, and shared prosperity,” he noted.

He stated that the UK–Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring the partnership between both countries 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.”

Baroness Chapman also visited communities in Abuja and Kaduna that are benefiting directly from UK investment, highlighting the tangible impact of the partnership on the ground.

The UK’s support for Nigeria’s digital economy is expected to reduce regulatory barriers and enable greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services, and emerging technology.