UK trade envoy strengthens economic ties with Nigeria

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic relations with Nigeria through a strategic visit by its Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi MP. Eshalomi, who concluded a four-day working visit to Nigeria yesterday, held high-level meetings with government officials and private sector leaders aimed at deepening trade and investment ties between both countries. The […]

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic relations with Nigeria through a strategic visit by its Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi MP.

Eshalomi, who concluded a four-day working visit to Nigeria yesterday, held high-level meetings with government officials and private sector leaders aimed at deepening trade and investment ties between both countries.

The visit, which focused on the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), explored opportunities in fintech, manufacturing and agriculture. 

She was accompanied by the Director-General for Investment at the UK Department for Business and Trade, Ceri Smith, and His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner to Africa, Ben Ainsley.

During the ETIP Business Dialogue co-hosted with the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, stakeholders discussed ways to address non-tariff barriers and improve the business environment.

Speaking at a press briefing, Eshalomi announced a $7.5 million investment by British International Investment (BII) in Babban Gona, a Nigerian agricultural enterprise.  

She said the investment would support food security, job creation and economic resilience.

“Nigeria is a powerhouse of innovation and enterprise, and the UK is proud to be a strategic partner in its growth journey.

 “This visit has deepened our commercial ties and opened new doors for collaboration across sectors that matter most to our shared prosperity,” she said.

The envoy also met with executives from LemFi, Interswitch and Zenith Bank to discuss financial sector collaboration and potential Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) on the London Stock Exchange.

She later participated in a Tech Roundtable where Nigerian tech founders were introduced to the UK’s Global Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP). 

The visit ended with her moderating a panel at GITEX Nigeria 2025, featuring Kuda Bank and PiggyVest.

The UK government said the engagements were part of efforts to support inclusive growth and promote Nigeria’s global competitiveness.