Nigerian companies including LemFi, Kuda, Moniepoint and Fidelity Bank are scaling up operations across the United Kingdom, driving fresh investment and job creation as both countries deepen economic ties.
The expansion comes alongside a major boost to the North West economy, with Zenith Bank opening a new branch in Manchester, expected to create up to 30 direct jobs. In parallel, Twinings Ovaltine has launched a £24 million manufacturing facility in Lagos, marking its first production base in Africa.
The wave of investment precedes the historic State Visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who will be accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, as both nations seek to strengthen trade, investment and diplomatic relations.
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Hundreds of new jobs are expected to be created across the UK as Nigerian banks, fintech firms and creative industry businesses expand their presence. The move reinforces the UK’s status as a global business hub while highlighting Nigeria’s growing role as a source of innovation and capital.
The UK government attributes the surge in activity to its Trade and Industrial Strategies, alongside commitments under the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), which continues to attract investment into key sectors such as financial services, technology, education and advanced manufacturing.
A high-level ETIP reception held at Kensington Palace brought together 180 senior leaders from government and industry to celebrate the growing partnership. The event was hosted by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and featured remarks from UK Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi.
UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the commitments reflect a shared belief in enterprise, innovation and education, adding that the partnership is delivering tangible economic benefits for both countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Lammy also подчеркed the growing momentum, noting that the UK–Nigeria strategic relationship is reducing barriers, creating jobs and opening new pathways for growth.
Beyond banking, Nigerian fintech firms are accelerating investment. LemFi plans to invest £100 million over five years as it establishes London as its global headquarters. Moniepoint aims to grow its London workforce to 100 employees by 2026, while Kuda is strengthening its UK base for global expansion.
The creative sector is also gaining ground. EbonyLife will launch EbonyLife Place London, creating up to 40 jobs and expanding African storytelling in the UK. New collaborations led by the British Council and industry partners will further deepen ties through talent exchanges, summits and the planned UK/Nigeria Season of Culture in 2028.
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British businesses are equally expanding into Nigeria. Twinings Ovaltine’s Lagos facility will create over 100 jobs and boost exports across West Africa, while Wise is set to secure its first Nigerian licence to tap into the growing remittance market.
Education partnerships are also strengthening, with institutions such as University of Birmingham, University of Lagos and London School of Economics expanding programmes in Nigeria to train the next generation of talent.
With bilateral trade now reaching £8.1 billion annually, the UK and Nigeria are reinforcing a relationship increasingly defined by investment, innovation and shared economic growth.
