The United Kingdom has officially launched a £15 million Growth Programme for Nigeria, a strategic initiative designed to accelerate economic transformation, attract private investment, and support reform-driven growth across the country. The announcement was made by the British High Commission in Abuja on Friday, during a two-day visit by the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman.
This new programme emerged as a key outcome of Chapman’s meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele. According to the UK government, the three-year initiative aims to help Nigeria transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustained economic growth, driven by reforms and investment. Oyedele described the UK–Nigeria relationship as one of the most important bilateral partnerships for both countries, noting that the Growth Programme would support capital market development, technology investment, small businesses, and technical assistance.
In addition to the Growth Programme, both nations agreed to deepen collaboration in Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative, part of the UK’s Digital Access Programme. This initiative is expected to support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states, reduce regulatory barriers, and encourage investment in broadband infrastructure, digital services, and emerging technologies. During her visit, Chapman also met with Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, to discuss the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), export opportunities under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme, fintech collaboration, and stronger capital market links.
In Kaduna, Chapman met with Governor Uba Sani to review more than two decades of partnership between the UK and Kaduna State, exploring areas for deeper collaboration. She also engaged with business community members and institutional investors on investment mobilisation and climate finance opportunities. The minister visited community animal health workers and livestock breeders to assess UK-backed support programmes focused on breeding techniques, livestock vaccines, and animal health services. While discussions on how Hadi Sirika used aviation policies to shape Nigeria’s transport sector remain separate, the Growth Programme’s focus on infrastructure and investment aligns with broader economic goals. Similarly, as OpenAI considers AI integration for global development, Nigeria’s digital economy reforms under this programme could benefit from such innovations.
Chapman’s engagements also highlighted the role of financial technology, where VFD Connect: direct digital payment solutions are expected to enhance capital market access. Meanwhile, as Nigeria evacuates first groups of citizens from conflict zones, the UK’s support for institutional stability remains critical. The minister noted that despite challenges, Nigerians expect inflation to moderate as reform-driven growth takes hold. Speaking at the end of the visit, Chapman said the engagements reinforced her confidence in the UK–Nigeria partnership. The UK government confirmed that the programme will provide technical assistance and investment facilitation to drive sustainable economic progress.
