Nigeria, on Tuesday, April 21, became the United Kingdom (UK)’s largest export market in Africa, as bilateral trade between the two countries hit a record of £8.1 billion, with the two nations moving to convert high-level diplomatic ties into concrete commercial deals.
This comes as the UK concluded its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent state visit, signalling a renewed push to deepen economic cooperation and unlock investment across key sectors.
The British High Commission, in a statement issued by its senior press and public affairs officer and communications lead (Growth), Ndidiamaka Eze, disclosed that the two-day mission, supported by the UK department for business and trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies.
The delegation engaged Nigerian counterparts to build partnerships and pursue opportunities in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, finance, technology, and other critical sectors.
The initiative aligns with priorities under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reform-driven economy, the statement said.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said the mission marked a shift from political agreements to practical business outcomes.
“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.
“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, 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,” Montgomery said.
On her part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NIPC, Aisha Rimi, described the engagement as a strategic step towards translating diplomatic momentum into tangible investment.
“This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria state visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria.
“The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries,” Rimi said.
Comments