UK Unveils £15m Growth Programme to Boost Investment, Drive Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have launched a new £15 million Growth Programme aimed at attracting private investment, accelerating economic transformation and supporting Nigeria’s transition towards sustained, reform-driven growth.

The initiative was announced during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK’s Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, as part of efforts to strengthen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the British High Commission, Chapman’s visit to Abuja and Kaduna focused on expanding cooperation in key sectors, including economic development, digital transformation and healthcare.

“The UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, has concluded a two-day visit to Nigeria, during which she announced a new £15m Growth Programme, deepened cooperation on digital transformation and health, and visited communities benefiting directly from UK investment on the ground,” the statement read.

A major highlight of the visit was Chapman’s meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, during which both parties discussed the newly launched three-year programme.

Designed to deepen economic reforms, mobilise private-sector capital and stimulate long-term economic growth, the initiative is expected to support Nigeria’s broader development agenda.

The UK also announced expanded collaboration in Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under its Digital Access Programme. The initiative will support governance reforms across five Nigerian states by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging investment in broadband infrastructure, digital services and emerging technologies.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, said the UK-Nigeria relationship has evolved beyond traditional diplomatic ties into one focused on shared prosperity and economic advancement.

“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.

The British High Commission also disclosed that Chapman met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, to review progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.

Discussions centred on boosting exports through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, strengthening fintech cooperation and expanding capital market linkages between Nigeria and the UK.

During her visit to Kaduna State, Chapman met Governor Uba Sani to evaluate more than 20 years of UK collaboration with the state and explore new opportunities for partnership.

She also held discussions with business leaders and institutional investors on issues relating to climate finance, economic development and investment opportunities.

The minister visited community animal health workers and livestock breeders to assess UK-backed initiatives supporting improved breeding practices, animal healthcare services and livestock vaccination programmes.

Chapman further toured the Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre, which provides healthcare services to approximately 20,000 residents, where she interacted with patients and frontline health workers to evaluate the impact of UK-supported health interventions.

Reflecting on the visit, Chapman described the UK-Nigeria relationship as dynamic and future-oriented.

“From launching our new Growth Programme with Minister 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,” she said.

The new programme builds on existing UK investments in Nigeria. British International Investment has channelled nearly $800 million into sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing, while UK Export Finance is supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports through financing worth approximately $1 billion.

The UK has also become an increasingly important destination for Nigerian businesses seeking global expansion. Seven Nigerian banks currently operate in the UK, while London continues to play a growing role in connecting Nigerian companies to international capital markets, including fintech firms such as LemFi and Moniepoint.

The launch of the Growth Programme follows the momentum generated by President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026 and subsequent discussions at the Global Partnerships Conference, where stakeholders from both countries explored areas of mutual economic interest and cooperation.