From David Onuoja, Abuja
The United Kingdom, has concluded its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria, since the recent State Visit, aiming to convert high-level diplomatic agreements into concrete business deals for companies in both nations.
According to a statement released in Abuja by Ndidi Amaka, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer|Comms Lead, Growth,Trade and Investment, Nigeria Network said, the two-day mission brought 43 delegates from 30 British firms to Abuja to forge partnerships and explore new opportunities with Nigerian counterparts across key economic sectors.
Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest, in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the mission comes as bilateral trade hits a record £8.1 billion.
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Nigeria now stands as the UK’s largest export market in Africa. Discussions focused on areas where British expertise aligns with Nigeria’s reform agenda, including infrastructure, energy and power, water and climate solutions, agriculture, finance and professional services, logistics, technology, education, aviation and communications.
The sectors mirror the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP). Organisers said the mission also sought to update perceptions of Nigeria’s economy, emphasising its shift toward reform and growth, and an improving macroeconomic outlook. Delegates were encouraged to identify complementary strengths and pursue partnerships that support long-term investment.
Speaking on this, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, described the mission as “a clear signal of intent.” He added that bringing UK companies together with Nigerian partners shows how political alignment is being turned into “real commercial action and long-term partnerships,” with the UK “committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”
NIPC Chief Executive Officer, Aisha Rimi, called the mission “a timely and strategic step” in translating State Visit momentum into investment outcomes. She noted strong UK company interest reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its role as a leading African investment destination. The NIPC, she said, remains focused on facilitating partnerships that align with national priorities and drive job creation and inclusive growth.
Private sector voices echoed the optimism as Ronald Chagoury Jr., Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, pointed to the recent close of a $1 billion ports transaction backed by UK Export Finance as evidence of execution capability and international partnership. He called it “a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure” and a sign of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.
All 43 delegates took part in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior government officials and Nigerian firms. According to DMA Invest Chief Executive Atam Sandhu, the mission demonstrated the value of convening government, investors and delivery partners in a “deal-focused environment” to move projects closer to investment and delivery. Organisers say the visit marks an important step in ensuring momentum from the State Visit translates into sustained commercial outcomes and shared growth.
