Nigeria becomes UK’s largest African export market as trade hits £8.1bn

Nigeria's economic landscape is buzzing with renewed vigor as bilateral trade with the United Kingdom surges to an impressive £8.1 billion, solidifying its position as the UK's premier African export market. This landmark achievement is further bolstered by the recent UK trade and investment mission, a clear testament to the deepening commercial ties between our nations.

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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.

The mission, which saw the convergence of 43 delegates from 30 British companies, underscores a strategic pivot from high-level diplomatic discussions to tangible business outcomes. The focus on critical sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, finance, and technology signals a shared ambition to harness Nigeria's vast potential and drive sustainable growth.

As the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi, aptly stated, this trade mission is a "timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria." This sentiment is echoed by British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, who emphasized the shift towards "practical business outcomes" and the UK's "long-term commitment" to Nigeria.

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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.

This collaboration is more than just a trade agreement; it represents a powerful endorsement of Nigeria's reform agenda and its burgeoning economy. The engagement signifies a mutual understanding of the immense opportunities that lie ahead, promising a future of shared prosperity and strengthened economic partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The Nigerian press, like The Punch, will undoubtedly highlight this as a significant step forward in our nation's economic development, showcasing our growing influence on the global stage.

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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.