The United Kingdom and Nigeria have taken another major step in their expanding digital partnership, launching a high-level benchmarking and knowledge exchange tour designed to strengthen how Nigeria clears IT projects and procures public digital products and services.

The week-long programme, held in London from 23 to 28 November 2025, brings together senior leaders from Nigeria’s key digital institutions: the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). It is hosted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through its Digital Access Programme, working with the Government Digital Service, Public Digital, Crown Commercial Service, the British Standards Institute, and the FCDO Cyber Policy Department.

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Both countries view this engagement as a practical tool for advancing the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership, especially its focus on economic development, governance reform, and technology cooperation. The goal is clear. Strengthen institutions, modernise digital governance, and support secure, inclusive public services.

For Nigeria, the sessions will help refine NITDA’s IT Project Clearance framework, improve procurement efficiency across government, and embed global best practices in cybersecurity, digital governance and data stewardship. The programme also opens access to the UK’s technology supply chain, underscoring the UK’s role as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

Speaking at the opening session, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, represented by Dr Usman Gambo Abdullahi, emphasised the urgency of strengthening public digital systems. He said the country’s reform agenda is driven by the need to cut waste, improve service delivery, strengthen cybersecurity, and build public trust. According to him, modernising the IT Project Clearance process is critical to that mission. He thanked the UK for its consistent support, noting that the insights shared during the week will strengthen institutions and boost national governance capacity.

The UK reinforced this message of partnership. Ros Eales, the FCDO’s Director for International Science and Technology, described Nigeria as a key partner in the global tech landscape. She said the UK is committed to ensuring that digital transformation is safe, secure, sustainable and beneficial to all, especially at a time when artificial intelligence is accelerating change across every sector.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said the UK remains proud to support Nigeria’s digital governance reforms. He noted that the technical collaboration reflects a long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s digital progress and to building partnerships that drive shared economic growth.

During the engagement, Alessandra Lustrati, Head of Digital Development at the FCDO and global lead of the UK’s Digital Access Programme, presented the Digital Development Strategy 2024–2030. She underscored the need for government digital services that are open, accessible and citizen-focused, delivered within a secure and trusted digital environment.

For both countries, the programme marks a practical step toward stronger digital systems and smarter public services. It also sets the stage for deeper cooperation as Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation and the UK continues to champion inclusive, responsible technology development around the world.