Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, completed a series of engagements in London aimed at deepening Nigeria’s trade and investment relationships with the United Kingdom.
The engagements, centred around the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit held from 7 to 8 April 2025, highlighted Nigeria’s focus on investment mobilisation, trade revenue growth, economic diversification, and strategic communications.
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Keynote address to the UK business community
On 8 April, Dr. Oduwole delivered a keynote address at a roundtable event hosted by Invest Africa. The session brought together senior executives, business leaders, and investors from the UK.
In her address, the Minister outlined Nigeria’s efforts to attract investments into non-oil sectors and strengthen trade links. She discussed steps being taken to promote ease of doing business and emphasised Nigeria’s aim to diversify its economy.
“Nigeria is open for business, and we are committed to creating an environment that fosters investment, innovation, and economic growth,” Dr. Oduwole said. “Our engagements in London demonstrate our dedication to strengthening trade ties, supporting local and foreign investors, and ensuring that Nigeria remains a prime investment destination. The opportunities in Nigeria, particularly in non-oil sectors, are immense, and we invite investors to be part of this journey towards sustainable development.”
The roundtable provided a forum for direct engagement between the Minister and UK stakeholders, opening discussions on investment opportunities and collaborative projects.
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Promotion of Lagos Free Zone
During her London engagements, Dr. Oduwole also took part in an event co-hosted by Invest Africa and Lagos Free Zone (LFZ).
The event focused on presenting Lagos Free Zone as a key hub for manufacturing investment in Nigeria. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD & CEO of Lagos Free Zone, presented an overview of LFZ’s role in supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation goals.
“The Lagos Free Zone represents a game-changer for Nigeria’s manufacturing and industrial sectors, offering world-class infrastructure and seamless business operations,” Ladoja said. “This event provided a crucial platform to showcase how strategic investments in LFZ can unlock deeper penetration into the Nigerian market for UK businesses and drive Nigeria’s industrialisation. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to welcoming global investors.”
The panel discussion explored ways UK businesses can access the Nigerian market and contribute to the country’s broader economic transformation.
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Strengthening the London-Lagos investment corridor
Dr. Oduwole’s visit was anchored by the goal of reinforcing the London-Lagos investment corridor, which has grown in importance in recent years.
Karen Taylor, Chair of Invest Africa, remarked: “Invest Africa is proud to facilitate meaningful engagement between Nigerian leaders and the UK business community. The Minister’s participation in our events underscores Nigeria’s strategic importance as a trade and investment partner. We look forward to continuing to support initiatives that drive economic collaboration and unlock new business opportunities.”
The Minister’s activities in London aligned closely with Nigeria’s four strategic pillars: investment mobilisation, trade revenue growth, economic diversification, and strategic communications. Through these engagements, Nigeria sought to build stronger economic ties with the UK and position itself as a destination for long-term investment.
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Focus on sustainable development
As Nigeria advances its economic agenda, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment remains committed to fostering international trade relations and attracting investment.
Dr. Oduwole’s message throughout her engagements was clear: Nigeria is ready to work with investors, partners, and businesses to drive sustainable economic growth. By focusing on non-oil sectors and promoting platforms like the Lagos Free Zone, Nigeria is setting a course for a diversified economy that supports both local industries and foreign investors.
The engagements in London mark a continued effort by Nigeria to position itself as a reliable and attractive destination for international trade and investment.
