The United Kingdom has announced expanded collaboration with Nigeria to accelerate the country’s digital economy through a package of initiatives delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.
At the heart of this partnership is the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) initiative which was announced during the June visit of the UK Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Chapman MP.
The SPRIRET Project is designed to support reforms across five states: Abia, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu and Niger, and to reduce regulatory barriers and unlock greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services, and emerging technologies. The UK will look to support more states in future iterations of the project.
SPRIRET will 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.
British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter 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.”
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, Enugu State 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.”
