The United Kingdom has announced the successful completion of its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria, marking a significant step in strengthening economic ties between both countries.
The mission, which followed Bola Tinubu’s recent State visit, was supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and coordinated by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council. It aimed to move beyond diplomatic discussions by translating agreements into real business opportunities for companies in both nations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the British High Commission explained that the two day mission brought together 43 representatives from 30 British companies. The goal was to build stronger partnerships, expand commercial relationships, and explore new opportunities with Nigerian businesses across several key sectors.
These sectors included infrastructure, energy and power, water, environmental and climate solutions, agriculture, finance and professional services, testing and certification, logistics and supply chains, as well as technology. According to the commission, these areas align closely with priorities outlined in the UK Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.
The mission also highlighted how the strengths of UK businesses such as high standards, technical expertise, and long term partnership models fit well with Nigeria’s growing and evolving market needs.
“With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform driven economy,” the statement read.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, described the mission as a strong indication of commitment between both countries.
“As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long term partnerships for businesses in both countries.
“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term,” Montgomery said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Aisha Rimi, said the initiative comes at the right time and reflects a strategic effort to convert renewed diplomatic relations into real investment outcomes.
She explained that the council remains focused on supporting partnerships that align with Nigeria’s economic priorities while unlocking value across major sectors.
“The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa.
“We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive of DMA Invest, Atam Sandhu, noted that the organisation played a key role in bringing stakeholders together and converting shared goals into practical outcomes.
He added that the level of engagement seen across sectors like infrastructure, energy, and finance demonstrates both the scale of opportunities in Nigeria and the UK’s long term commitment.
“We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that DMA Invest is a global development consultancy known for promoting trade and investment in emerging economies, particularly those outside the G20. It works to attract funding through initiatives such as investment summits organised for governments.
