News Highlights:
- Through the UK’s Digital Access Programme, the new SPRIRET initiative will support policy, regulatory and institutional reforms in Abia, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu and Niger states.
- Alongside SPRIRET, the UK is introducing a Technical Assistance Facility to improve the USPF and launching the STRIDE Nigeria Project to promote responsible data governance.
The United Kingdom (UK) has unveiled a new package of initiatives aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation, deepening bilateral cooperation through its Digital Access Programme to strengthen policy reforms, expand digital inclusion, and unlock investment across key sectors of the country’s digital economy.
Central to the new collaboration is the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) initiative, 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—by reducing regulatory barriers and unlocking greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services and emerging technologies. The UK also plans to extend support to additional states in future phases 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.
Speaking on the partnership, 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.”
Welcoming the initiative, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, expressed appreciation to the British Government and its development partners for aligning the project with the state’s development priorities.
According to him, “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.”
Beyond SPRIRET, the UK is rolling out additional interventions to strengthen Nigeria’s broader digital ecosystem.
A Technical Assistance Facility will support improvements to the Universal Service Provision Fund by enhancing its systems, institutional capacity and operational performance to deliver more inclusive and sustainable digital access across the country.
In addition, the Safeguarding Trust, Digital Rights, Inclusion and Data Ethics (STRIDE Nigeria) Project will promote responsible data governance by raising awareness of citizens’ rights under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, strengthening institutional compliance, and developing a pipeline of skilled professionals.
Through a nationwide “Own Your Data” campaign and targeted fellowships, the initiative will equip citizens and businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to participate safely and confidently in the digital economy.
Together, the initiatives underscore the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation by fostering inclusive growth, strengthening institutions, expanding digital access, and empowering citizens to participate fully in an increasingly technology-driven economy.