UK–Nigeria Trade Opportunities: Why Nigeria is an Increasingly Attractive Market for Investors

As we usher in the New Year, it is an ideal time to consider the growing trade and investment opportunities in Nigeria, which is increasingly being viewed as a key focus market for UK and international investors. As an expert security provider with operations in both Nigeria and the UK, Mantra is uniquely positioned to support UK–Nigeria trade and investment initiatives at a time when commercial activities between the two countries are continuing to grow.

According to an official Trade and Investment Fact Sheet on Nigeria published by the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade in December 2025, total trade in goods and services between the UK and Nigeria was £8.0 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2025, representing an 11.1% increase compared with the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024.

This growth has been supported by the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), signed in 2024. ETIP is the first agreement of its kind between the UK and any African country and provides a structured framework to deepen cooperation, reduce trade barriers and unlock new commercial opportunities. The partnership focuses on priority sectors including Education, Legal Services, Digital and Technology, Financial Services and Sustainability & Clean Energy. These sectors align closely with Nigeria’s economic reform agenda and the current strengths of UK businesses seeking expansion into high-growth potential markets.

Identifying Investment Opportunities: Healthcare and Clean Energy

To help UK companies better understand the Nigerian market, members of the Mantra team attended a series of presentations delivered by the UK Department for Business and Trade during ‘International Trade Week’, which focused on two key sectors: Healthcare and Clean Energy.

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is expanding rapidly, with annual spending growth estimated at 10–12%, driven by population growth, urbanisation and the increasing demand for higher-quality healthcare services. For UK companies, opportunities exist across a wide range of areas, including digital health solutions, medical equipment and diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, healthcare infrastructure, and training and education through medical training programmes and e-learning platforms.

In the energy sector, approximately 80% of Nigeria’s current electricity generation comes from natural gas. The Nigerian government is actively pursuing a clean energy transition policy to diversify energy sources and meet sustainability objectives. Significant opportunities exist for UK companies in solar power, wind energy, waste-to-energy solutions, and hydrogen and other emerging clean technologies.

Economic Reforms and Improved Investor Confidence

The current Nigerian administration has now been in office for two years and has implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence. These efforts have been recognised internationally, with both Moody’s and Fitch recently upgrading Nigeria’s credit ratings.

Combined with the fact that Nigeria has Africa’s largest population, these positive developments reinforce Nigeria’s case for long-term investment. A rapidly urbanising population and a growing middle-income consumer base also help to position Nigeria as a large, increasingly investment-ready market for international companies.

Expert Security Services Supporting Investors in Nigeria

At Mantra, we recognise that investors require confidence that their personnel, assets and operations will be well protected in Nigeria. For new market entrants, as part of our Security Consultancy Services, we can provide comprehensive support in all areas of start-up, including due diligence services to vet potential Nigerian partner companies, verify financial information and conduct background checks on key personnel.

We also have extensive experience supporting UK–Nigeria trade missions and international delegations, working closely with the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos on several high-profile initiatives, involving Cybersecurity, Fintech, Sustainability, Grow London, Innovate UK and the Law Society.

Our security services in Nigeria for visiting delegates have included Aviation Security Services, such as personalised airport meet-and-greet and fast-track arrival support, as well as secure ground transportation, using licensed Armed Escort Services in line with Nigerian security regulations. Our teams have successfully managed complex schedules involving multiple secure movements between airports, hotels and meeting locations in Lagos and Abuja, ensuring all delegates were transported safely and efficiently.

Following the Fintech and Sustainability Trade Missions, our Vice President of Operations received the following Testimonial from one of our UK clients:

“The team have returned this week after a very successful trade mission across three countries. I wanted to say thanks again to you and the entire Mantra team for the support on the ground in Lagos and all of the advisory and communication you provided.”

If you are considering investing in Nigeria and require expert security services, Mantra is ready to support your entry into the market with professional and reliable security solutions.

To speak with our team, please submit an enquiry form at: http://bit.ly/contactmantra or send an email to: info@mantraoperations.com

Written by Sian Hawkes, Director of Marketing and Communications