The expansion in the two countries comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, is set to commence a historic State Visit on Wednesday, 18th March, strengthening the UK’s position as a global hub for African business.
The UK’s Trade and Industrial Strategies, along with commitments through the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), are driving investment into key UK growth sectors such as financial services, technology, education, and advanced manufacturing.
The expansion by the Nigerian firms came to light at the ETIP reception by the UK Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, yesterday at Kensington Palace, bringing together 180 senior representatives from government and industry to celebrate the breadth, depth, and continued growth of the two countries’ trade relationship across priority sectors, including financial services, education, creative industries, infrastructure and technology.
The reception had in attendance the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi, and Nigeria’s Trade Minister, Jumoke Oduwole amongst others from Nigerian business community.
Speaking at the reception, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said, ‘The UK and Nigeria share a belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and education to transform lives, and today’s commitments show exactly that. With Nigerian firms creating jobs across the UK and British businesses expanding into one of the world’s fastest growing markets, our partnership is strengthening both economies and delivering real benefits for people in both countries.”
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said: The UK and Nigeria’s Strategic Partnership is bringing momentum and opportunity to innovators in both our countries. We are reducing barriers, creating jobs and opening new pathways for growth. Growth is the core mission of this government, and it underpins our relationship with Nigeria. I am deeply proud that the cultural and commercial bonds between our nations are thriving and that both our businesses and people are feeling the benefits of that.”
Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions, opens its Manchester branch today [17 March] with the capacity to create up to 30 new direct jobs in a boost for the Northwest economy.
Fidelity Bank’s acquisition and rebrand of Union Bank UK into FidBank UK with plans to double its 62‑person workforce in 2026 and add new capital, while the Fidelity Group makes London its global hub.
FCMB has also selected the UK as the first international destination for its digital cross-border payments platform, boosting trade and investment flows between Africa and the rest of the world. Seven Nigerian banks now operate in the UK, supporting at least 1,000 jobs in total.
Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, said the United Kingdom remains a key global financial centre, and this explains the bank’s expansion in the country.
“The opening of Zenith Bank, Manchester, therefore, marks another important milestone in our international expansion strategy, enabling us to deepen relationships with our customers, support trade and investments, and connect businesses between Africa and the UK more effectively.”
Nigerian fintech investment is also accelerating rapidly. For instance, LemFi will invest £100 million over the next five years as it designates London its global headquarters, while Moniepoint plans to grow its London-based team to 100 employees in 2026, building the infrastructure that supports millions of African users worldwide.
Kuda Bank is also strengthening its UK headquarters as the base for global expansion and plans to double its UK footprint
Nigeria’s creative industry is also boosting the UK’s reputation as a global creative capital as it continues to deepen ties.
EbonyLife, one of Nigeria’s leading creative industry brands, will launch EbonyLife Place London, creating up to 40 new jobs and strengthening the UK’s role as a home for African storytelling and creative talent.
The SCALE Creative Entrepreneur Award Programme, developed by the British Council and supported by the Department for Business and Trade, will support young Nigerian and UK creative entrepreneurs to grow internationally and build lasting ties to benefit both the UK and Nigerian creative economies.’
The UK Advertising Exports Group will announce a strategic partnership with the Nigerian advertising sector. This will include a UK-Nigeria Advertising Summit taking place later this year and a talent exchange scheme, which will deepen bilateral engagement.
The British Council and the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy in Nigeria will deliver the UK/Nigeria Season of Culture in 2028, involving a range of innovative initiatives and events designed by UK and Nigerian creative organisations.
A Creative Industries Roundtable at Lancaster House will bring together alumni, Chevening scholars and creative leaders from both countries.
Twinings Ovaltine is investing £24 million in a new Lagos manufacturing facility—its first in Africa—creating over 100 jobs and increasing exports across West Africa, benefiting other British businesses as well.
Also, British fintech, Wise, is seeking approval for its first Nigerian licence, enabling it to expand in a remittances market valued at up to £39.9 million.
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), which was set up with UK Support in 2011, has also signed an agreement with Asset Green Ltd to explore a large-scale integrated dairy project that will strengthen Nigeria’s dairy value chain, reduce reliance on imports and improve nutrition.
Leading UK universities are also expanding into Nigeria, helping train the next generation of Nigerian and British scientists, technologists and innovators. Nigeria is a key education partner and a priority country for the UK’s International Education Strategy.
The University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos have signed a new agreement to deliver programmes in Applied AI, Digital Communications and Global Surgery, while the LSE has launched a new Data Science partnership with Nile University of Nigeria, alongside the University of the West of England, opening a dedicated office in Lagos.
Wellington College International Lagos will open in 2027, offering places for 1,500 students – becoming one of West Africa’s flagship British curriculum schools- and EStars, a UK‑owned educational esports and technology company, will partner with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to deliver esports‑based digital learning programmes to around three million students.
