By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Hundreds of new jobs are set to be created across the United Kingdom as Nigerian banks, fintech companies and creative industry firms expand operations in Britain, coinciding with President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the country.
The announcement came on Tuesday, 17 March , 2026, as Tinubu arrived at London Stansted Airport at 3:18 p.m. for a two-day state visit, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, marking the first Nigerian presidential visit to the United Kingdom in 37 years.
During the visit, the President is scheduled to be hosted at Windsor Castle from Wednesday to Thursday and to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, while several investment deals were unveiled under the UK–Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.
Details of the investments were contained in a statement issued by the United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade, which said the agreements span financial services, technology, education and the creative industries, with millions of pounds expected to flow into both economies.
Zenith Bank led the announcements, opening a new branch in Manchester with capacity to create up to 30 direct jobs, while also exploring a possible listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2027 to strengthen its presence in the UK market.
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, described the move as a strategic milestone in the bank’s international expansion.
“The United Kingdom remains a key global financial centre. The Manchester opening represents another important milestone in our international expansion strategy. It will enable us to deepen relationships with our customers, support trade and investments, and connect businesses between Africa and the UK more effectively,” she said.
Furthermore, the British government disclosed that seven Nigerian banks currently operate in the UK, collectively supporting at least 1,000 jobs.
It added that Fidbank plans to double its 62-person workforce in 2026, while Fidelity Group is positioning London as its global hub.
Similarly, FCMB has selected the UK as the first international destination for its digital cross-border payments platform to boost trade and investment flows between Africa and the rest of the world.
In the fintech sector, LemFi announced a £100 million investment over the next five years and designated London as its global headquarters, while Moniepoint plans to expand its London-based workforce to 100 employees in 2026. Kuda Bank also said it would double its UK footprint within the same period.
On the British side, Twinings Ovaltine launched a £24 million manufacturing facility in Lagos expected to create more than 100 direct jobs, while fintech company Wise is set to receive approval for its first Nigerian licence to enter the remittance market valued at up to £39.9 million.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said the growing partnership between both countries was opening new opportunities for businesses and workers.
“We are reducing barriers, creating jobs and opening new pathways for growth. Growth is the core mission of this government and it underpins our relationship with Nigeria,” Lammy said.
“I am deeply proud that the cultural and commercial bonds between our nations are thriving and that both our businesses and people are feeling the benefits of that,” he added.
Also speaking, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said the partnership reflects shared economic priorities between both nations.
“With Nigerian firms creating jobs across the UK and British businesses expanding into one of the world’s fastest growing markets, our partnership is strengthening both economies and delivering real benefits for people in both countries,” Kyle said.
The creative sector also recorded fresh investments, with EbonyLife announcing plans to launch EbonyLife Place London, a project expected to create up to 40 jobs, while a UK–Nigeria Season of Culture has been scheduled for 2028.
In the education sector, the University of Birmingham and the of Lagos signed a new agreement to deliver programmes in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Digital Communications and Global Surgery.
In addition, the London School of Economics launched a Data Science partnership with Nile University of Nigeria, while Wellington College International Lagos is expected to open in 2027 with capacity for 1,500 students under the British curriculum.
Bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Nigeria currently stands at a record £8.1 billion annually, with both governments expressing optimism that the latest agreements will further deepen economic cooperation and create more jobs in both countries.
