UK Investors Boost Nigeria’s Economy With Significant Investment Growth
By Naija Enquirer Staff
Nigeria has recorded significant investment growth from United Kingdom investors, accounting for about 65 per cent of recent foreign capital inflows into the country.
The Federal Government disclosed that the inflows included investments of $7.5 million into Babban Gona and $40.5 million into Johnvent Industries over the past year.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment revealed this in a document titled “2025: A Defining Year for Nigeria’s Industry, Trade and Investment,” which reviewed reforms and outcomes under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the ministry, UK investors contributed significantly to Nigeria’s rising investment inflows, following the activation of the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership and broader reforms aimed at restoring investor confidence and improving market access.
“UK investors now account for approximately 65 per cent of recent inflows, including $7.5 million into Babban Gona and $40.5 million into Johnvent Industries,” the ministry, led by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, stated.
The ministry described the growth as evidence of renewed confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory, noting that 2025 marked a defining phase in the country’s economic repositioning.
It said coordinated reforms across investment attraction, trade expansion and institutional strengthening translated policy intent into measurable outcomes, despite global economic headwinds.
Nigeria also strengthened its investment facilitation framework during the year, shifting from passive promotion to a systems-driven model that reduced information gaps, improved project visibility and enhanced the bankability of investment pipelines.
The ministry said four priority projects valued at $13.7 billion progressed during the year, representing a conversion rate of over 25 per cent from $50.8 billion worth of signed Memoranda of Understanding.
“Through structured deal origination, the ministry has proactively built a de-risked pipeline exceeding $5 billion across priority sectors,” it added.
The government linked the strong UK inflows to sustained bilateral engagements and trade modernisation efforts, noting that high-level missions to the UK and other economies helped reshape investor perceptions.
Beyond foreign investment, the ministry reported progress in export-led growth, with non-oil exports rising by 21 per cent to $12.8 billion in the first half of 2025, nearly double the $6.5 billion target.
The increase contributed to a ₦12 trillion trade surplus, while overall trade value expanded by 14 per cent, driven by targeted reforms, improved export processes and increased value addition.
Nigeria’s leading non-oil exports included cocoa and cocoa derivatives, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, shea butter, ginger, hibiscus flower, rubber, palm oil derivatives, fertilisers, cement and liquefied natural gas.
The ministry also reported that Special Economic Zones generated over $500 million in export revenues and created more than 20,000 direct jobs through the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority.
On macroeconomic performance, the ministry said reforms such as foreign exchange liberalisation, fuel subsidy removal and monetary tightening helped restore investor confidence.
It noted that the Nigerian Exchange ranked fifth among the world’s top-performing stock exchanges in 2025 and fourth in Africa, as combined foreign portfolio and direct investment reached nearly $14 billion between the first and third quarters of the year.
Looking ahead, the ministry said it would build on the momentum in 2026 by prioritizing execution and measurable impact, focusing on sectors such as solid minerals, digital trade, the creative economy and climate-smart industrialization.
“Collectively, these results affirm that 2025 marked a decisive inflexion point for Nigeria, restoring investor confidence, strengthening competitiveness, expanding exports and laying the foundation for sustained and inclusive growth,” the ministry stated.
