The UK has concluded its first commerce and funding mission to Nigeria for the reason that current State Go to, reinforcing efforts to transform high-level political commitments into concrete industrial outcomes for companies in each nations.
Organised by the UK Division for Enterprise and Commerce and delivered by DMA Spend money on partnership with the Nigeria Funding Promotion Fee (NIPC), the two-day mission introduced collectively 43 delegates from 30 British corporations. The delegation engaged Nigerian counterparts to discover partnerships and funding alternatives throughout key sectors of mutual curiosity.
Bilateral commerce between each nations has now reached a document £8.1 billion, with Nigeria remaining the UK’s largest export market in Africa. The mission underscored the place UK experience may help Nigeria’s ongoing {economic} reforms, with discussions spanning infrastructure, power and energy, water and environmental options, agriculture, {financial} {and professional} providers, logistics and provide chains, requirements and certification, in addition to expertise sectors together with training, aviation and communications.
These priorities align with the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Commerce and Funding Partnership (ETIP), reflecting areas the place UK capabilities and long-term partnership fashions match Nigeria’s evolving {economic} agenda.
Past sectoral engagement, the mission additionally sought to problem outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its transition towards a reform-driven, opportunity-rich financial system with bettering macroeconomic fundamentals. Each side emphasised the significance of deeper personal sector collaboration to unlock sustainable progress.
British Excessive Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, mentioned the mission demonstrated a transparent shift from diplomatic alignment to sensible supply.
“This commerce mission is a transparent sign of intent. As the primary UK enterprise delegation to Nigeria for the reason that State Go to, it exhibits how we’re turning robust political alignment into actual industrial motion and long-term partnerships for companies in each nations,” he mentioned.
He added that collaboration with Nigerian establishments and personal sector companions displays the UK’s long-term dedication to doing enterprise with Nigeria.
Chief Govt Officer of the NIPC, Aisha Rimi, described the mission as a well timed step towards translating diplomatic momentum into measurable funding outcomes.
“The robust curiosity from UK corporations displays rising confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its place as a number one funding vacation spot in Africa,” she mentioned, including that the Fee stays dedicated to facilitating investments that drive job creation and inclusive progress.
On his half, the Vice Chairman of Hitech and ITB, Ronald Chagoury Jr., highlighted current infrastructure milestones, together with a $1 billion ports transaction backed by UK Export Finance, describing it as proof of robust worldwide investor confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda.
Chief Govt of DMA Make investments, Atam Sandhu, mentioned the mission displays the worth of structured, deal-focused engagement between governments and traders.
“Our position is to convene the correct stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into sensible industrial outcomes,” he mentioned.
“The depth of engagement throughout infrastructure, power, finance and different sectors displays the dimensions of alternative in Nigeria.”
All 43 delegates participated within the UK–Nigeria Enterprise Discussion board alongside senior authorities officers and personal sector leaders from each nations. The discussion board offered a platform for direct engagement, relationship-building, and exploration of recent industrial partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform priorities.
The mission is anticipated to strengthen long-term cooperation between each nations by accelerating funding discussions, deepening belief, and supporting sustainable {economic} progress
Michael Olugbode
Times Nigeria