Nigeria becomes UK’s largest African export market as trade hits £8.1bn
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Nigeria has been named the United Kingdom’s largest export market in Africa, as bilateral trade between both countries hits a record of £8.1 billion, with the two nations moving to convert high-level diplomatic ties into concrete commercial deals.
This comes as the UK concluded its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, signalling a renewed push to deepen economic cooperation and unlock investment across key sectors.
The British High Commission, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer and Communications Lead (Growth), Ndidiamaka Eze, disclosed that the two-day mission, supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies.
The delegation engaged Nigerian counterparts to build partnerships and pursue opportunities in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, finance, technology and other critical sectors.
The initiative aligns with priorities under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reform-driven economy the statement said.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said the mission marked a shift from political agreements to practical business outcomes.
“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,” he said.
On her part, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi, described the engagement as a strategic step towards translating diplomatic momentum into tangible investment.
“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.
“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.
Stakeholders said the mission also aimed to reshape perceptions of Nigeria’s business environment, highlighting improvements in macroeconomic conditions and reforms designed to attract foreign investment.
Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, Ronald Chagoury Jr., pointed to a major ports deal as evidence of investor confidence.
“As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.
“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,” he said.
On her part, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Aisha Rimi, described the engagement as a strategic step towards translating diplomatic momentum into tangible investment.
“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.
“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.
Stakeholders said the mission also aimed to reshape perceptions of Nigeria’s business environment, highlighting improvements in macroeconomic conditions and reforms designed to attract foreign investment.
Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, Ronald Chagoury Jr., pointed to a major ports deal as evidence of investor confidence.
“As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.
“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework,” he said.
Chief Executive of DMA Invest, Atam Sandhu, emphasised the importance of coordinated engagement between governments and investors.
“This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment.
“The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership,” he said.
All delegates participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum, where discussions focused on deal-making, strengthening business relationships and aligning investments with Nigeria’s development priorities.
The mission represents a significant step in consolidating UK-Nigeria economic ties, with expectations that ongoing engagements will translate into sustained investment, job creation and shared growth.
