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The United Kingdom (UK) has partnered with Nigeria to accelerate the country’s digital economy through a new package of initiatives aimed at boosting innovation, attracting investment and creating more opportunities for businesses
The collaboration, delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme, includes the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) initiative, announced during the June visit of the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Chapman MP
The SPRIRET project will support digital reforms across Abia, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu and Niger states by reducing regulatory barriers and creating an enabling environment for investment in broadband, digital services and emerging technologies. The UK said the programme is expected to expand to more states in future phases
Implemented in partnership with the Initiative for Digital Inclusion, SPRIRET will strengthen state-level digital policies, governance systems, infrastructure and institutional capacity to improve service delivery, increase transparency and expand citizen participation in the digital economy. The initiative is designed as a scalable model that can be replicated nationwide
Speaking on the partnership, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, said the initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation
“The UK is proud to partner with Nigeria to drive an inclusive and innovative digital economy. Through initiatives like SPRIRET, we are supporting practical reforms that will unlock investment, strengthen institutions and expand digital access, creating opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to harness technology for sustainable growth,” he said
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that addresses critical policy, regulatory and institutional gaps needed to maximise digital investments
According to him, the project aligns with Enugu State’s vision of building an inclusive digital economy and will strengthen the state’s digital transformation agenda
Alongside SPRIRET, the UK is also supporting a Technical Assistance Facility to improve the performance of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) by strengthening its systems, institutional capacity and service delivery to expand sustainable digital access across Nigeria
The partnership also includes the Safeguarding Trust, Digital Rights, Inclusion and Data Ethics (STRIDE Nigeria) project, which will promote responsible data governance by raising awareness of rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, strengthening institutional compliance and developing digital skills through targeted fellowships and a nationwide “Own Your Data” awareness campaign
According to the UK, the combined initiatives are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, improve digital inclusion, enhance investor confidence and create new opportunities for businesses and citizens to participate in the country’s growing digital economy
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