Nigeria-United Kingdom trade is currently valued at £7.8 billion, according to UK Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Gill Lever.
She made this known at the launch of a British Franchise Body Shop in Nigeria, the first of its kind in West Africa.
Lever reaffirmed the UK’s commitment as Nigeria’s partner in progress.
She said, “And our bilateral trade at the moment with Nigeria is worth about £7.5 billion. It’s growing. And Nigeria is the UK’s second largest trading partner in Africa, after South Africa.
“And the UK is one of the largest foreign investors in Nigeria. And we have investments in energy, finance, and retail. And our Department for Business and Trade has identified Nigeria as a high-growth market, with a young, dynamic population of over 200 million people, and a rapidly expanding business class.
“To the Nigerian people, I say: The UK is committed to being your partner in progress. We believe in your potential, and we are here to support your aspirations.”
The envoy emphasized that the Body Shop’s arrival in Nigeria is a testament to the strength of UK-Nigeria trade relations and the immense potential of the Nigerian market.
“The Body Shop’s arrival in Nigeria is a testament to the strength of UK-Nigeria trade relations and the immense potential of the Nigerian market. As a brand rooted in ethical values, sustainability, and community empowerment, The Body Shop aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Nigerian consumers who increasingly value quality, authenticity, and responsible business practices,” Lever said.
The UK deputy high commissioner, expressed her pleasure at being part of the Body Shop’s launch in Nigeria.
She described it as a momentous occasion, not only for The Body Shop as a pioneering UK brand but also for the growing economic partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
“This launch is more than just the opening of a store—it is a statement of intent. It represents the power of ethical business, the strength of UK-Nigeria collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to female empowerment.
“The Body Shop’s entry into Nigeria is a clear signal of the confidence UK businesses have in this market. It also reflects the shared commitment of both our nations to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“The launch of The Body Shop in Nigeria is a milestone, but it is also a stepping stone toward an even brighter future for UK-Nigeria trade. “
In her remark, the General Manager of Body Shop Nigeria, Shalom Lloyd, said the launch of the Body Shop brand in Nigeria is a result of the dedication and commitment to bringing ethical and sustainable beauty products to the Nigerian market.
Lloyd, a member of the Nigerian diaspora, stated that the business will support cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
“The fact that we believe in empowerment and community spirit is really, really important. One of the things that we’ll be supporting is cancer screening through the Body Shop.
“That’s really, really important. Because 95% of cancer patients in Africa is a death sentence only because there’s no early detection. Early detection saves lives. So, we want to be able to actually do a lot of screening to prevent cancer early.
And the Body Shop will be sponsoring that in Nigeria as well,” she said.
“On why she chose to invest in Nigeria at this time, Lloyd said “Why now did I choose to invest in Nigeria when they say country no good? Well, why not now? Why do you have to wait until everything is perfect? There’s a saying I believe in. Start by doing what is necessary and then do what is possible. Before you know it, you’ve conquered the impossible,” she said.
