The United Kingdom has unveiled a new £15 million Growth Programme aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy, attracting more private investment, and expanding cooperation in digital technology and healthcare.
The announcement was made by the British High Commission in Abuja following a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman. During her visit, she travelled to Abuja and Kaduna, where she met government officials, business leaders, healthcare workers, and communities benefiting from UK-backed projects.
According to the UK government, the new programme is designed to support Nigeria’s economic transformation over the next three years. The initiative will focus on encouraging investment, promoting sustainable economic reforms, and helping Nigeria move from economic stabilisation to long-term growth.
One of the major highlights of the visit was Baroness Chapman’s meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele. Both officials discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation through the UK-Nigeria Growth Programme.
The programme is expected to support several sectors, including capital market development, technology investments, small and medium-sized enterprises, and technical assistance. The goal is to create an environment that attracts investors while generating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs across the country.
Speaking on the partnership, Oyedele described the relationship between Nigeria and the UK as one of the most important international partnerships for both countries. He noted that the relationship has evolved beyond traditional diplomatic ties and now focuses on economic development, growth, and shared prosperity.
According to him, the new Growth Programme will help unlock opportunities in technology, finance, and entrepreneurship while supporting reforms that can strengthen Nigeria’s economy in the long term.
In addition to the Growth Programme, the UK also announced expanded cooperation in Nigeria’s digital sector through the SPRIRET initiative. The project will be implemented under the UK’s Digital Access Programme and is expected to support digital governance reforms in five Nigerian states.
The initiative aims to remove regulatory barriers, improve digital infrastructure, encourage broadband expansion, and create a more favourable environment for investment in technology and innovation. Experts believe the programme could help accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and improve access to digital services.
Baroness Chapman also met with Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, where discussions focused on trade and investment opportunities under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). The talks explored ways to increase exports, strengthen financial technology collaboration, and deepen links between the capital markets of both countries.
During her visit to Kaduna State, Chapman met Governor Uba Sani and reviewed more than two decades of cooperation between the UK and the state. Discussions centred on attracting investment, supporting businesses, and expanding climate finance opportunities.
She also interacted with livestock breeders and community animal health workers to learn about UK-supported programmes focused on livestock development, animal healthcare, improved breeding techniques, and vaccine access.
The UK minister further visited the Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre in Kaduna South, a facility that serves about 20,000 residents. There, she met healthcare workers and patients who shared their experiences with health programmes supported by the UK.
At the conclusion of her visit, Chapman expressed confidence in the future of the UK-Nigeria relationship. She stated that her meetings across Nigeria highlighted the country’s ambition and potential for growth.
She reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to maintaining a long-term partnership with Nigeria, emphasising that both countries stand to benefit from increased cooperation in investment, trade, technology, and healthcare.
The new £15 million programme represents another step in strengthening economic and development ties between the two nations, with a strong focus on creating sustainable growth and opportunities for the future.
