Hundreds of new jobs are set to be created across the UK as a wave of Nigerian banks, fintech companies and creative industry businesses expand their operations in Britain, bringing millions of pounds of new investment into the economy.
The announcements come ahead of a historic state visit by Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu (pictured), which is expected to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The investments underline the growing importance of the UK as a hub for African business while highlighting Nigeria’s expanding role as a source of innovation, entrepreneurship and capital.
Several Nigerian financial institutions are significantly expanding their UK presence, with the banking sector expected to be a major driver of new employment. Zenith Bank has opened a new branch in Manchester, creating up to 30 direct jobs and providing a boost to the North West economy. The bank is also exploring a potential listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2027 as it seeks to deepen its presence in British financial markets and strengthen investment flows between the UK and Africa.
Other Nigerian financial institutions are also increasing their footprint in Britain. Fidelity Bank plans to double its UK workforce from 62 employees during 2026 while expanding its capital base. The broader Fidelity Group is also positioning London as its global operational hub. Meanwhile First City Monument Bank has chosen the UK as the first international launch market for its new digital cross-border payments platform, designed to streamline trade and financial transfers between Africa and global markets.
In total, seven Nigerian banks now operate in the UK, collectively supporting around 1,000 jobs while strengthening financial links between the two economies.
Alongside traditional banking, Nigeria’s rapidly growing fintech sector is investing heavily in the UK as a base for global expansion. LemFi has announced plans to invest £100 million over the next five years after designating London as its global headquarters. The investment will support product development, technology infrastructure and the expansion of its international workforce.
Digital banking platform Moniepoint is also expanding its London operations, with plans to grow its UK-based team to around 100 employees in 2026 as it builds infrastructure supporting millions of users across Africa. Similarly, Kuda Bank is strengthening its UK headquarters as the centre of its international expansion strategy and expects to significantly increase its staff numbers in Britain over the coming year.
Government ministers say the wave of investment reflects the strength of the UK–Nigeria economic partnership and Britain’s continued attractiveness as a destination for global businesses. Peter Kyle said the growing links between the two countries demonstrated the power of collaboration between their business communities.
“The UK and Nigeria share a belief in the power of enterprise, innovation and education to transform lives,” he said. “Today’s commitments show exactly that. With Nigerian firms creating jobs across the UK and British businesses expanding into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, our partnership is strengthening both economies.”
David Lammy added that the partnership between the two countries was delivering new opportunities for businesses and innovators on both sides of the relationship.
“The UK and Nigeria’s strategic partnership is bringing momentum and opportunity to innovators in both our countries,” he said. “We are reducing barriers, creating jobs and opening new pathways for growth.”
The investments are being supported through the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, which focuses on expanding cooperation across financial services, technology, infrastructure and education.
The creative industries are also playing a growing role in the strengthening relationship between the two countries. EbonyLife will launch EbonyLife Place London, a new cultural and entertainment venue expected to create around 40 jobs and showcase African creative talent in the UK.
The partnership between the countries’ creative sectors is expected to deepen further through initiatives such as a UK–Nigeria advertising summit and talent exchange programme, as well as a planned UK/Nigeria Season of Culture in 2028 organised in collaboration with the British Council.
British companies are also expanding into Nigeria as part of the strengthening economic relationship. Twinings Ovaltine has opened a £24 million manufacturing facility in Lagos, its first production site in Africa, which will create more than 100 jobs and expand exports across West Africa.
Meanwhile the fintech company Wise is expected to receive regulatory approval for its first licence in Nigeria, allowing it to expand into the country’s fast-growing remittance market.
Educational partnerships are also increasing, with leading UK universities deepening collaboration with Nigerian institutions. The University of Birmingham and the University of Lagos have signed an agreement to develop programmes in applied artificial intelligence, digital communications and global surgery. The London School of Economics has launched a new data science partnership with Nile University of Nigeria, while the University of the West of England has opened a dedicated office in Lagos.
Further collaboration in education will come with the opening of Wellington College International in Lagos in 2027, which will provide places for around 1,500 students and become one of West Africa’s flagship British curriculum schools.
Officials say the breadth of the investments, spanning finance, technology, creative industries and education, highlights the deepening commercial relationship between the UK and Nigeria. As global economic uncertainty grows, policymakers hope that strengthening partnerships with fast-growing markets such as Nigeria will help drive long-term investment, innovation and job creation across the British economy.
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Nigerian firms announce millions in UK investment as hundreds of jobs set to be created