FG, UK Firms Move to Activate Tinubu’s Trade Agreements

The Federal Government has begun steps to translate recent bilateral agreements with the United Kingdom into concrete investments, engaging about 30 British companies through the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council to deepen trade and commercial partnerships.

The engagement follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to the UK, where both countries reaffirmed commitments to expand economic cooperation. Officials say the latest mission marks the first structured business delegation from the UK since the visit, signalling a shift from diplomatic alignment to practical execution.

According to officials at the British High Commission, the two-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates representing 30 UK firms seeking opportunities in Nigeria’s key sectors. Discussions spanned infrastructure, energy and power, agriculture, finance, logistics, and technology—areas seen as critical to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

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British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to convert high-level agreements into tangible business outcomes. “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent,” he said. “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.”

On the Nigerian side, Director-General of NIPC, Aisha Rimi, emphasised that the engagement is focused on unlocking investment flows aligned with national priorities. “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,” she stated.

The initiative comes amid strengthening economic ties between both countries. Bilateral trade has climbed to about £8.1 billion, with Nigeria retaining its position as the UK’s largest export market in Africa. The engagement also aligns with the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership framework, which seeks to expand trade volumes and facilitate easier market access for businesses.

Participants highlighted growing investor confidence driven by Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and improving macroeconomic outlook. Stakeholders also noted that the mission provided an opportunity to correct outdated perceptions about Nigeria’s business environment, presenting the country as a reform-driven, high-potential investment destination.

In addition to fostering partnerships, the discussions explored how UK expertise can complement Nigeria’s development priorities. Areas such as infrastructure financing, energy transition, agribusiness value chains, and digital innovation were identified as sectors with strong potential for collaboration.

Recent agreements between both countries further reinforce this trajectory. The Federal Government secured a £746 million financing arrangement from the UK to support upgrades at major ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island, which collectively handle over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s trade volumes. The project is expected to improve logistics efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance competitiveness.

Analysts say the ongoing engagements reflect a broader strategy to convert diplomatic relationships into measurable economic gains. By aligning foreign investment with domestic priorities, the government aims to accelerate growth, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position within global trade networks.