The United Kingdom has reinforced its economic partnership with Nigeria through a high-level trade and investment mission aimed at converting diplomatic momentum into tangible business outcomes.
The mission, supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to explore opportunities across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
With bilateral trade between both countries reaching a record £8.1 billion, Nigeria remains the UK’s largest export market in Africa, underscoring the significance of the growing economic relationship.
Speaking on the mission, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, said the initiative reflects a shift from policy alignment to real economic delivery.
“This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long-term partnerships for businesses in both countries,” he said.
Montgomery added that the collaboration demonstrates the UK’s readiness to deepen engagement with Nigeria’s evolving economy.
“We are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term,” he added.
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi, described the mission as timely and strategic.
“This trade mission represents a critical step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes.
The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa,” Rimi said.
Rimi reiterated the Commission’s commitment to facilitating partnerships that would deliver sustainable growth, job creation, and long-term value.
Private sector stakeholders also highlighted the importance of the mission in driving real investments.
Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, Ronald Chagoury Jr., pointed to a major infrastructure milestone linked to the partnership.
“The successful close of a one-billion-dollar ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities.
We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda,” he said.
The Chief Executive of DMA Invest, Atam Sandhu, emphasized the importance of structured engagement between governments and investors.
“This mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a deal-focused environment. The quality of engagement across key sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership,” he said.
Discussions during the mission covered a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, energy and power, agriculture, finance, technology, logistics, and climate solutions, areas aligned with the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.
The engagement also aimed to reposition Nigeria as a high-potential investment destination undergoing significant economic reforms.
According to analysts, the mission marks a significant step in strengthening economic ties between both countries, ensuring that the outcomes of recent diplomatic engagements translate into real investments and shared growth.