The United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled investments and partnerships spanning manufacturing, fintech, agriculture and education, as trade between both countries hits a record £8.1 billion annually.
At the heart of the new commitments is a major industrial investment in Lagos, where a British firm is set to establish its first manufacturing facility in Africa.
According to a statement by the British High Commission on Tuesday, the plant, to be located in Nigeria’s commercial hub, is expected to create more than 100 direct jobs while strengthening export capacity across West Africa.
It noted that the development underscores Nigeria’s growing appeal as a regional production base and aligns with broader efforts to boost local manufacturing and reduce import dependence.
“In the financial technology space, UK-based remittance company Wise is set to receive regulatory approval for its first Nigerian licence, marking a significant step in its expansion into Africa’s largest economy.
“The move will position the firm to tap into Nigeria’s fast-growing remittance market, estimated to be worth up to £39.9 million, while enhancing competition and efficiency in cross-border payments.
“Agriculture and food security also feature prominently in the new agreements.
“The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has entered into a partnership with Asset Green Ltd to explore the development of a large-scale integrated dairy project”, the statement read.
The Commission noted that the initiative is set to strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain, reduce reliance on imports and improve nutritional outcomes, particularly as the country seeks to address longstanding gaps in local milk production.
“Education partnerships form another critical pillar of the UK-Nigeria collaboration, with leading British institutions expanding their footprint in Nigeria to help train the next generation of scientists, technologists and innovators.
“The University of Birmingham has signed a new agreement with the University of Lagos to deliver programmes in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Digital Communications and Global Surgery.
Read also: Nigeria’s old financial system is “dead and buried,” Cardoso tells London investors
“The initiative will enhance skills development in high-demand sectors and deepen academic exchange between both countries”, it added.
Similarly, the London School of Economics and Political Science has launched a Data Science partnership with Nile University of Nigeria, while the University of the West of England has established a dedicated office in Lagos to support its growing operations in the country.
“In the basic and secondary education segment, Wellington College International is set to open a new campus in Lagos by 2027.
“The school will accommodate up to 1,500 students and is projected to become one of West Africa’s flagship British curriculum institutions, reflecting increasing demand for international-standard education in Nigeria.
“Technology-driven learning is also gaining traction, with UK-owned esports and education company EStars partnering with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
“The collaboration will deliver esports-based digital learning programmes to approximately three million students, introducing innovative approaches to skills development in classrooms across the state”, it added.
