Nigerian banks, fintechs like LemFi, Kuda, and Moniepoint, plus Fidelity Bank, are expanding in the UK with millions in investments, creating hundreds of jobs, as UK firms including Twinings Ovaltine open a £24 million Lagos plant amid President Tinubu’s State Visit this week.
Zenith Bank launches its Manchester branch today, targeting 30 jobs and eyeing a 2027 London Stock Exchange listing. Fidelity rebrands Union Bank UK to FidBank UK, planning to double its 62 staff in 2026; seven Nigerian banks now support 1,000 UK jobs. LemFi commits £100 million over five years, basing global HQ in London; Moniepoint aims for 100 London staff; Kuda will double its UK footprint.
Twinings Ovaltine’s Lagos facility, its first in Africa, creates over 100 direct jobs and boosts West African exports. EbonyLife opens EbonyLife Place London for 40 jobs in creative storytelling. UK-Nigeria deals span advertising summits, talent exchanges, a 2028 Season of Culture, and education ties like Birmingham-Lagos AI programs, LSE-Nile data science, and Wellington College Lagos for 1,500 students by 2027.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “Nigerian firms creating UK jobs and British businesses tapping fast-growth markets show our partnership delivering real benefits.” Deputy PM David Lammy added: “Our Strategic Partnership reduces barriers, creates jobs—growth underpins our Nigeria ties.”
The UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) drives financial services, tech, creatives, and manufacturing gains, celebrated at yesterday’s Kensington Palace reception with Trade Envoy Florence Eshalomi.
