The initiative was announced during a two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, who held meetings in Abuja and Kaduna as part of efforts to strengthen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
According to a statement issued by the British High Commission, the programme will run for three years and focus on deepening economic reforms, mobilising private-sector capital and promoting long-term economic development.
A key highlight of the visit was Chapman’s meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, where discussions centred on the implementation of the new initiative.
The UK also announced expanded collaboration in Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under its Digital Access Programme. The project is expected to support governance reforms across five states, reduce regulatory barriers and encourage investment in broadband infrastructure, digital services and emerging technologies.
Speaking on the partnership, Oyedele said the relationship between both countries has evolved beyond traditional diplomatic ties to focus on 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,” he said.
Chapman also met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, to review progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership. Discussions focused on boosting exports through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, strengthening fintech collaboration and expanding capital market linkages.
During her visit to Kaduna, the UK minister met Governor Uba Sani to assess more than two decades of cooperation between the UK and Kaduna State and explore new areas for collaboration.
She also engaged business leaders, investors, livestock breeders and community animal health workers, discussing investment opportunities, climate finance, animal health services and agricultural development.
Chapman visited the Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre, which serves about 20,000 residents, where she interacted with patients and healthcare workers to evaluate the impact of UK-supported health interventions.
Reflecting on the visit, Chapman described the UK-Nigeria relationship as strong and forward-looking.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
The new programme builds on existing UK investments in Nigeria. British International Investment has committed nearly $800 million to sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy and manufacturing, while UK Export Finance is supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos ports through financing valued at about $1 billion.
The initiative also follows recent engagements between both countries, including President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the UK in March 2026, which focused on strengthening economic cooperation and investment opportunities.
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