A £15 million Growth Programme between Nigeria and the United Kingdom aims to help Nigeria's shift to sustainable, reform-driven growth, unlock private investment, and accelerate economic transformation.
In an attempt to fortify the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, Jenny Chapman made the announcement during a two-day trip to Nigeria, where she made appearances in Abuja and Kaduna.
"The UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman, has concluded a two-day visit to Nigeria, during which she announced a new £15m Growth Programme, deepened cooperation on digital transformation and health, and visited communities benefiting directly from UK investment on the ground," the British High Commission said in a statement released on Friday.
According to the statement, one of the visit's main highlights was Chapman's discussion with Taiwo Oyedele, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, during which both parties talked about the new program.
The three-year program aims to promote long-term economic growth, draw in private sector investment, and strengthen economic reforms. Additionally, the UK announced increased collaboration in Nigeria's digital economy through the Digital Access Program's SPRIRET program.
In order to lower regulatory obstacles and promote investment in broadband infrastructure, digital services, and emerging technologies, the digital initiative will support governance reforms in five Nigerian states.
Speaking on the partnership's importance, Oyedele stated that the UK-Nigeria relationship now focuses on progress, development, and shared prosperity rather than just traditional links.
The UK-Nigeria Growth Programme supports small enterprises, technology investment, capital market growth, and technical assistance to help make this collaboration a reality.
Oyedele was quoted in the announcement as saying, "We look forward to seeing these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries."
According to the release, Chapman also met with Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, to discuss the status of the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.
They talked about improving fintech cooperation, growing financial market connections between the two nations, and boosting exports under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
Chapman met with Governor Uba Sani during her visit to Kaduna in order to evaluate the more than 20 years of partnership between the UK and Kaduna State and to discuss potential new areas of cooperation.
She also discussed investment potential, climate finance, and economic development with institutional investors and company executives.
In order to explore UK support for better breeding practices, animal health services, and livestock immunization programs, the minister met with livestock breeders and community animal health workers.
In order to evaluate the effects of UK-funded healthcare interventions, Chapman also went to Unguwan Sanusi Primary Health Care Centre, which serves roughly 20,000 residents. There, she spoke with patients and frontline medical staff.
As she thought back on her visit, Chapman characterized the UK-Nigeria connection as robust and progressive.
"Every conversation this week, from meeting frontline health workers in Kaduna to launching our new Growth Program with Minister Oyedele, has shown me a country full of ambition and a partnership that is delivering for both sides."
"The UK is pleased to support Nigeria as a partner. I'm more certain than ever that this relationship's next phase will be its most thrilling yet," she remarked.
The new initiative expands upon the UK's current investments in Nigeria. British International Investment has made about $800 million in investments in industries like manufacturing, renewable energy, and agriculture, while UK Export Finance is providing approximately $1 billion in funding to support the development and renovation of Lagos ports.
Additionally, Nigerian companies looking to expand internationally are increasingly looking to the UK. There are currently seven Nigerian banks operating in the UK, and London is increasingly assisting Nigerian businesses, notably fintech startups like LemFi and Moniepoint, in gaining access to international capital markets.
Bola Tinubu's state visit to the UK in March 2026 and following interactions at the Global Partnerships Conference, where stakeholders from both nations discussed areas of mutual interest and collaboration, created the momentum for the Growth Programme's debut.
