The United Kingdom and Nigeria have enhanced their strategic partnership through a focused exchange program aimed at transforming the digital landscape of both countries. From November 23 to 28, 2025, senior officials from Nigeria engaged in a week-long benchmarking and knowledge exchange tour in London. This initiative centered on the end-to-end clearance of IT projects and the procurement of public digital products and services.
Hosted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as part of its Digital Access Programme, the program featured collaboration with prominent UK institutions. These included the Government Digital Service (GDS), Public Digital, and the Crown Commercial Service (CCS). The delegation from Nigeria consisted of representatives from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
This collaborative effort builds on the pillars of the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership, which focuses on economic development, governance reform, and technological cooperation. It aims to leverage digital innovation to foster inclusive growth and improve public service delivery.
During the opening remarks, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, represented by Dr. Usman Gambo Abdulahi, emphasized the importance of modernizing Nigeria’s IT project clearance processes. He stated, “At the heart of Nigeria’s reforms is our determination to improve government service delivery, reduce waste, strengthen cybersecurity, and build trust in public digital systems.” Abdullahi further acknowledged the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital journey.
The FCDO’s Director for International Science and Technology, Ros Eales, highlighted Nigeria’s significance as a key partner for the UK in the technology sector. She stated, “Working with partner countries like Nigeria ensures that digital transformation is safe, secure, and sustainable.” Eales underscored the urgency of navigating the rapid technological evolution, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence.
In Lagos, Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner, reiterated the UK’s dedication to Nigeria’s digital transformation. He remarked, “The UK is proud to stand as a key partner to Nigeria, leveraging our expertise to drive knowledge exchange in digital governance and institutional reform.” This collaboration aims to create strategic partnerships that promote shared economic growth.
The head of Digital Development at the FCDO in London and global lead of the Digital Access Programme, Alessandra Lustrati, presented the Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030 to the Nigerian delegation. She emphasized the importance of adopting best practices in the digital transformation of government services to ensure accessibility, openness, and a citizen-driven approach within a secure digital environment.
This visit marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and governance. The insights gained from this exchange will inform improvements in NITDA’s IT Project Clearance and procurement efficiency, while reinforcing the UK’s role as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s inclusive digital transformation journey.
