The United Kingdom has unveiled a £15 million Growth Programme for Nigeria aimed at attracting private investment, accelerating economic reforms and boosting long-term growth under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The initiative was announced during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, as both countries moved to deepen economic and strategic ties.
According to a statement by the British High Commission, the new three-year programme is designed to unlock private-sector capital, support key reforms and drive sustainable economic transformation across Nigeria.
Chapman disclosed the initiative during talks with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, where both sides reviewed ongoing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.
The UK also pledged expanded support for Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under its Digital Access Programme.
The project is expected to support governance reforms in five states, reduce regulatory bottlenecks and attract investment into broadband infrastructure, digital services and emerging technologies.
Speaking on the partnership, Taiwo Oyedele said the relationship between Nigeria and the UK has evolved beyond historical ties to one focused on economic growth and shared prosperity.
“The UK-Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life by supporting capital market development, technology investment, small businesses and technical assistance.
“We look forward to seeing these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries,” Oyedele said.
Chapman also met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to review progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.
Discussions focused on expanding exports through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, strengthening fintech collaboration and deepening capital market linkages between Nigeria and the UK.
In Kaduna, the UK minister held talks with Governor Uba Sani on new areas of cooperation after more than two decades of partnership between the British Government and Kaduna State.
She also met business leaders and investors to explore opportunities in climate finance, investment and economic development.
Chapman visited livestock communities benefiting from UK-backed programmes and inspected healthcare projects, including the Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre, which serves about 20,000 residents.
Reflecting on the visit, she expressed optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship.
“From launching our new Growth Programme with Minister Taiwo 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 delivering for both sides.
“Nigeria is a partner that the UK is proud to stand alongside. I leave more convinced than ever that the next chapter of this relationship will be its most exciting yet,” Chapman said.
The British High Commission noted that the UK has already invested heavily in Nigeria through British International Investment, which has committed nearly $800 million to sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and renewable energy.
It added that UK Export Finance is also supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports with funding estimated at about $1 billion.
The launch of the £15 million Growth Programme builds on the momentum generated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the UK in March 2026 and subsequent engagements aimed at deepening economic cooperation between both countries.
