By Ebunoluwa Sessou & Danielle Enukorah

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have launched a new £15 million Growth Programme aimed at accelerating economic transformation, unlocking private investment and supporting Nigeria’s transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustained, reform-led growth.

The initiative was announced during a visit to Nigeria by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, who also unveiled deeper cooperation on digital transformation and health while visiting communities benefiting from UK-backed investments.

The visit, which covered Abuja and Kaduna, underscored the growing strength of the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership and highlighted shared priorities between both countries.

A key highlight of the visit was Baroness Chapman’s meeting with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, during which both sides discussed the UK–Nigeria Growth Programme. The three-year initiative is expected to support capital market development, technology investment, small businesses and technical assistance.

Alongside the programme, the UK announced expanded collaboration on Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative under the UK’s Digital Access Programme. The project will support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states, reduce regulatory barriers and encourage investment and innovation in broadband, digital services and emerging technologies.

Speaking on the partnership, Oyedele said: “We continue to value the UK–Nigeria relationship, one of the most important partnerships for both our countries. Today, that relationship extends beyond traditional ties and now focuses on development, growth and shared prosperity.

“The UK–Nigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life—supporting 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.”

During the visit, Baroness Chapman also held talks with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, on progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, ETIP, including efforts to boost exports through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme and strengthen fintech and capital market linkages.

In Kaduna, the UK minister met with Governor Uba Sani to review over two decades of UK–Kaduna partnership and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation. She engaged with business leaders and institutional investors on investment mobilisation and climate finance, while also meeting community animal health workers and livestock breeders to discuss UK support for breeding techniques, animal health and livestock vaccines.

Baroness Chapman further visited Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre in Kaduna South, which serves about 20,000 residents, where she interacted with patients and frontline health workers on the impact of UK-supported health programmes.

Reflecting on the visit, Chapman said: “This visit has reinforced everything I believe about the UK–Nigeria partnership. That it is deep, it is real, and it is moving in the right direction. From launching our new Growth Programme with Honourable 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 genuinely delivering for both sides.

“Nigeria is a partner that the UK is proud to stand alongside and I leave more convinced than ever that the next chapter of this partnership is its most exciting yet. The UK is here for the long term, and we are ready to grow together.”