The United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a new £15 million growth program to unlock private investment and accelerate economic transformation.
The British High Commission made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
It said the two countries unveiled the initiative during the just-concluded two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK’s Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman.
According to the commission, Ms Chapman’s visit, spanning Abuja and Kaduna, underscores the breadth and depth of the UK–Nigeria strategic partnership and marked a significant step toward both countries’ shared priorities.
The commission said that alongside the growth program, the UK also announced deeper collaboration on Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative, delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Program.
“SPRIRET will support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states, reducing regulatory barriers and enabling greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services and emerging technology,” it said.
Chapman said her visit had reinforced everything she believed about the UK–Nigeria partnership.
According to her, it is deep, real, and moving in the right direction.
“From launching our new growth program with Minister Taiwo 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 genuinely delivering for both sides,” she said.
Mr Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said the UK-Nigeria relationship extended beyond traditional ties and was now focused on development, growth, and shared prosperity.
“The UK–Nigeria Growth Program helps bring this partnership to life.
“It will support capital market development, technology investment, small businesses, and technical assistance.
“We look forward to seeing how these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries,” Mr Oyedele said.
The commission also noted that Ms Chapman met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and that discussions covered progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
In Kaduna, Ms Chapman met with Governor Uba Sani to take stock of over 20 years of UK–Kaduna partnership and explore how cooperation can deepen shared priorities.
(Punch)
