The United Kingdom and Nigeria have strengthened their partnership through a week-long knowledge exchange tour focused on enhancing digital governance. This initiative, held in London from November 23 to 28, 2025, was organized by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as part of its Digital Access Programme. The programme aimed to improve the end-to-end clearance of IT projects and the procurement of public digital products and services.
The engagement brought together senior officials from Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). Their participation aligns with the pillars of the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, which emphasizes economic development, governance reform, and technology cooperation. By leveraging digital innovation, both nations aim to drive inclusive growth and enhance public services.
During the event, representatives discussed strategies to improve Nigeria’s IT project clearance processes and procurement efficiency. A statement from the FCDO highlighted that these discussions would support the global best practices in cybersecurity, digital, and data governance of Nigeria’s public services.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of NITDA, represented by Dr. Usman Gambo Abdullahi, Director of the IT Project Clearance Unit, emphasized the importance of modernizing IT project clearance. 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. I commend the UK’s FCDO through the Digital Access Programme for its consistent support to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.”
The FCDO’s Director for International Science and Technology, Ros Eales, remarked on the significance of Nigeria as a key partner in the tech sector. She pointed out that collaboration with countries like Nigeria is essential to ensure digital transformation is secure, sustainable, and beneficial to all. As technology evolves rapidly, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, managing associated risks becomes increasingly critical.
Additionally, Jonny Baxter, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, reiterated the UK’s commitment to Nigeria, stating, “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.” He noted that this collaboration reflects a long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation and aims to foster shared economic growth for both nations.
The head of Digital Development in the FCDO, Alessandra Lustrati, presented the Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030 to the Nigerian delegation. She highlighted the importance of supporting best practices in the digital transformation of government services, ensuring they are accessible, open, and citizen-driven, all within a secure digital environment.
This collaboration marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive digital economy, facilitated by the expertise and resources of the United Kingdom.
