L-R Permanent Secretary (Special Duties) at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Sanusi; British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter; the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; Permanent Secretary (Finance) at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi; and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
The United Kingdom and Nigeria have launched a new £15 million Growth Programme aimed at unlocking private investment, accelerating economic transformation and supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic reforms.
The announcement was made during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, who held talks with senior government officials in Abuja and Kaduna.
The initiative, unveiled alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, will run for three years and is designed to help Nigeria transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustained, reform-driven growth.
According to the UK government, the programme will focus on attracting investment, supporting small businesses, strengthening capital markets and promoting technology-driven growth.
Mr Oyedele described the UK-Nigeria relationship as one of the most important partnerships for both countries.
“We continue to value the UK-Nigeria relationship, one of the most important partnerships for both our countries. Today, that relationship extends beyond traditional ties and now focuses on development, growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
He added that the new programme would support capital market development, technology investment, small businesses and technical assistance, creating opportunities that would deliver lasting economic benefits.
The visit also saw both countries deepen cooperation in the digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under the UK’s Digital Access Programme. The project will support digital governance reforms in five Nigerian states, with the aim of reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging investment in broadband infrastructure, digital services and emerging technologies.
Baroness Chapman also met Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, to review progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), including efforts to boost exports, strengthen fintech collaboration and expand capital market links.
In Kaduna, the UK minister met Governor Uba Sani, business leaders and institutional investors to discuss investment opportunities and climate finance. She also visited health facilities and agricultural projects supported by the UK government.
Speaking at the end of her visit, Baroness Chapman said the discussions demonstrated the strength of the UK-Nigeria partnership.
“This visit has reinforced everything I believe about the UK-Nigeria partnership. It is deep, it is real, and it is moving in the right direction,” she said.
“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 announcement builds on existing UK investments in Nigeria. British International Investment has invested nearly $800 million in sectors including agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing, while UK Export Finance is supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports through a financing package worth about $1 billion.
The latest initiative follows President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026 and subsequent engagements aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between both countries.
