Nigeria and the UK Expand Their Partnership in Digital Transformation Through a Knowledge Exchange Visit to London
Nigeria and the UK enhanced their digital governance collaboration with a study tour in London that concentrated on IT project clearance, cybersecurity, procurement, and institutional reform.
The United Kingdom and Nigeria have strengthened their strategic partnership by engaging in a high-level international benchmarking and knowledge exchange tour, concentrating on the comprehensive clearance of IT projects and the procurement of public digital products and services.
Hosted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through its Digital Access Programme, in collaboration with prominent UK digital governance institutions such as the Government Digital Service (GDS), Public Digital, Crown Commercial Service (CCS), British Standards Institute, and the FCDO Cyber Policy Department, the programme convened senior officials from Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB), and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for a week-long engagement in London from 23 to 28 November 2025.
The program was founded on the pillars of economic development, governance reform, and technology cooperation within the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership, ensuring that both nations utilize digital innovation to promote inclusive growth and secure public services.
On Wednesday, FCDA issued a statement indicating that this engagement will enhance NITDA’s IT Project Clearance in Nigeria, improve procurement efficiency, and integrate global best practices in cybersecurity, as well as in the digital and data governance of public digital services. This collaboration strengthens the UK’s position as a reliable ally in Nigeria’s journey towards inclusive digital transformation, while also facilitating access to the UK technology supply chain for the Nigerian market.
During the opening remarks, Kashifu Inuwa Abduallahi, the NITDA Director General, represented by Dr. Usman Gambo Abdulahi, the Director of the IT Project Clearance Unit, stated: “At the core of Nigeria’s reforms is our commitment to enhancing government service delivery, minimizing waste, fortifying cybersecurity, and fostering trust in public digital systems.” Updating the IT Projects Clearance process is essential for realizing this vision. I applaud the UK’s FCDO for its unwavering support to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey through the Digital Access Programme. I express my gratitude to the UK Government and its various departments for their willingness to share insights and expertise, which will undoubtedly enhance our institutions and bolster our nation’s governance capacity.
Ros Eales, the Director for International Science and Technology at the FCDO, stated:
Nigeria serves as an important ally of the UK in the technology industry. Collaborating with partner nations such as Nigeria aims to guarantee that digital transformation benefits everyone while remaining safe, secure, and sustainable. This is increasingly crucial in a time of swift technological advancement, propelled by AI, bringing both advantages to harness and challenges to navigate.
The British deputy high commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, stated: “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.” This technical collaboration highlights our enduring dedication to Nigeria’s digital transformation and to fostering strategic partnerships that promote mutual economic growth for both countries.
Alessandra Lustrati, Head of Digital Development at FCDO London and global lead of the UK Digital Access programme (DAP), presented the Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030 to the Nigerian delegation. She emphasized the significance of promoting best practices in the digital transformation of government to ensure that digital services are accessible, open, and driven by citizens, all within a safe and secure digital environment.
