UK and Nigeria launch £15 million growth programme

The United Kingdom has launched a new £15 million growth initiative for Nigeria, deepening a strategic partnership spanning economic development, digital transformation, and health. The three-year UK-Nigeria Growth Programme was announced by UK Minister for Africa and International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman during a two-day visit concluding on Friday, June 12, 2026. Her engagements in Abuja and Kaduna focused on accelerating economic reforms and unlocking private investment.

The centerpiece of the visit was a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele. The new programme aims to support Nigeria’s transition from macroeconomic stabilization to sustained, reform-led growth by fostering capital market development, technology investment, and small businesses. Oyedele stated that the relationship has evolved beyond traditional ties to focus on development and shared prosperity, adding that the initiative helps bring the partnership to life.

Alongside the Growth Programme, the UK announced deeper collaboration on Nigeria’s digital economy through the SPRIRET initiative, which will support digital governance reforms across...