*The UK Government explains the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) initiative will work across states to strengthen policies, governance systems, digital infrastructure and human capacity to improve service delivery, transparency, and citizen access and participation in the Nigeria Digital Economy
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The United Kingdom (UK) has announced expanded collaboration with Nigeria to accelerate the West African country’s digital economy through a package of initiatives delivered under the UK Digital Access Programme.
The UK disclosed that at the centre of this partnership is the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) initiative, which was announced during the visit of the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Chapman MP June 2026.
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The government explained the SPRIRET Project is designed to support reforms across five states in Nigeria, including Abia, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu and Niger, as well as to reduce regulatory barriers and unlock greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services, and emerging technologies.
Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer and Communications Lead, Growth, Trade and Investment, Nigeria Network of BHC, in a statement Thursday, July 2, 2026, noted the UK also would support more states in future iterations of the project in Nigeria.
The statement further indicated that SPRIRET would 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, the UK Government said.
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Speaking on the programme, Mr. Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, 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.”
Likewise, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, Enugu State, South-East Nigeria, 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 statement revealed the UK is equally 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, the statement noted.
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 UK Mission in Nigeria said the initiative would 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.