UK-Nigeria trade mission drives commercial outcomes of Tinubu’s State Visit
The UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries. Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria […]
The UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.
With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.
Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure, energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.
These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.
The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.
Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said, “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.”
On her part, Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said the 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.
“At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.
“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,” she said.