The United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a new £15 million Growth Programme aimed at unlocking private investment and accelerating economic transformation between them.
The statement by the British High Commission in Abuja said that 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 statement, 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.
It said that alongside the growth programme, the UK also announced deeper collaboration on Nigeria’s digital economy through an initiative called the SPRIRET, which is delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.
“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 that 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 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 genuinely delivering for both sides,” she said.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, said that the UK-Nigeria relationship extended beyond traditional ties and was now focused on development, growth, and shared prosperity.
“The UK–Nigeria Growth Programme 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,” Oyedele said.
According to local media reports, Chapman met with Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, and had discussions covering progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).
The reports added that In Kaduna, Chapman met with Governor Uba Sani, of of Kaduna State, to take stock of over 20 years of UK–Kaduna partnership and explore how cooperation can deepen shared priorities.
GIK/APA