Hundreds of new jobs are set to be created in the United Kingdom and Nigeria as companies from both countries commit millions of pounds in fresh investments, further strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
The development comes as Nigerian banks, fintech firms, and creative industry players expand their operations in Britain, while UK companies deepen their presence in Nigeria, reinforcing the growing economic ties between both nations.
The investment wave coincides with the state visit of President Bola Tnubu, who is set commence a historic state visit on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, alongside his wife, Oluremi Tinubu.
The visit is expected to boost strategic partnerships and position the UK as a major hub for African business.
The British High Commission, in a statement issued on Tuesday, noted that several Nigerian financial institutions are at the forefront of the expansion.
It stated that Zenith Bank has opened a new branch in Manchester, with plans to create up to 30 direct jobs, while also exploring a potential listing on the London Stock Exchange by 2027.
The commissioner added that Fidelity Bank has acquired and rebranded Union Bank UK as FidBank UK, with plans to double its workforce by 2026 and position London as its global headquarters, while FCMB has also chosen the UK as the first international base for its digital cross-border payments platform.
According to the commission, seven Nigerian banks now operate in the UK, collectively supporting at least 1,000 jobs.
The British High Commission said Nigeria’s fintech sector is also making significant inroads into the UK market, noting that LemFi plans to invest £100 million over the next five years as it establishes London as its global headquarters.
It said other firms, including Moniepoint and Kuda Bank, are expanding their UK operations, with Moniepoint targeting 100 employees by 2026 and Kuda set to double its UK footprint.
Tinubu to begin state visit to UK Tuesday
The British High Commission stated that UK’s creative sector is also benefiting from the partnership, saying EbonyLife plans to launch EbonyLife Place London with the creation of about 40 jobs and promoting African storytelling globally.
The British Council, the commission said, is equally collaborating with Nigeria’s Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy on initiatives such as the 2028 UK/Nigeria Season of Culture, aimed at strengthening cultural and creative exchanges.
On the Nigerian side, the commission said UK companies are also committing major investments.
It disclosed that Twinings Ovaltine has launched a £24 million manufacturing facility in Lagos — its first in Africa — creating over 100 direct jobs and boosting exports across West Africa.
The British High Commission said Wise is set to receive approval for its first Nigerian licence, enabling it to expand in the country’s fast-growing remittance market.
According to the commission, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority has also partnered with Asset Green Limited on a large-scale dairy project aimed at improving local production and reducing reliance on imports.
The partnership is also driving collaboration in education and skills development. University of Birmingham and University of Lagos have signed agreements to deliver programmes in Applied AI, Digital Communications and Global Surgery.
The London School of Economics has launched a Data Science partnership with Nile University of Nigeria, while the University of the West of England is opening a dedicated office in Lagos.
Zenith Bank opens new branch in Manchester to boost int’l growth
Wellington College International Lagos is also set to open in 2027, offering British curriculum education to 1,500 students, while UK-based firm EStars will deliver esports-driven digital learning programmes to about three million students in Lagos State.
Speaking on the development, UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the partnership highlights the shared commitment of both countries to innovation, enterprise and education.
UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also noted that the collaboration is creating jobs, removing barriers and opening new pathways for economic growth.
Troops under Operation Savannah Shield have arrested three suspected logistics suppliers linked to the Islamic…
Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise national security…
A former lawmaker, Philip Tanimu Aduda, has officially resigned his membership from the People's Democratic…
Iran's football federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches to…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly weighing a revised contract that would see Super…
By PAUL MODEBE Some lives pass through the world quietly; others leave echoes that continue…
This website uses cookies.