The United Kingdom (UK) has announced expanded collaboration with Nigeria to accelerate the country’s digital economy through a package of initiatives delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.
At the heart of this partnership is the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) initiative which was announced during the June visit of the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Chapman MP.
The SPRIRET Project is designed to support reforms across five states of Abia, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu and Niger, and to reduce regulatory barriers and unlock greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services, and emerging technologies. The UK will look to support more states in future iterations of the project.
SPRIRET will work with Initiative for Digital Inclusion to strengthen state-level policies, governance systems, digital infrastructure and human capacity to improve service delivery, increase transparency, and expand citizen access and participation in the digital economy. The project is designed as a scalable model for nationwide replication, enabling states to generate new economic opportunities and support inclusive digital transformation at scale.
Speaking on the initiative, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter said: “The UK is proud to partner with Nigeria to drive an inclusive and innovative digital economy. Through initiatives like SPRIRET, we are supporting practical reforms that will unlock investment, strengthen institutions, and expand digital access, creating opportunities for businesses and citizens alike. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to harness technology for sustainable growth.”
Also speaking, Secretary to the State Government, Enugu State, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said: “We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the British Deputy High Commission and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the sustained interest in Enugu State’s development agenda and for the initiative in co-designing the SPRIRET project in response to the State’s priorities.
“We are satisfied that the SPRIRET project addresses a critical gap at the level of policy, regulatory, and institutional reform – areas that are foundational to giving lasting direction and effectiveness to all current and future digital investments in the State. We look forward to a productive and impactful partnership that will significantly advance Enugu State’s vision of an inclusive digital economy.”
Alongside SPRIRET, the UK is supporting targeted interventions to strengthen Nigeria’s wider digital ecosystem. A Technical Assistance Facility will enhance the performance of the Universal Service Provision Fund, improving its systems, institutional capacity and delivery to ensure more inclusive and sustainable digital access outcomes.
In parallel, the Safeguarding Trust, Digital Rights, Inclusion and Data Ethics (STRIDE Nigeria) Project will promote responsible data governance by raising awareness of rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, strengthening institutional compliance, and building a pipeline of skilled professionals. Through a nationwide “Own Your Data” campaign and targeted fellowships, the initiative will equip citizens and businesses with the knowledge and tools to participate safely and confidently in the digital economy.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria in building a more inclusive, secure and dynamic digital economy – unlocking growth, strengthening institutions, and empowering citizens.
