The United Kingdom has announced a 50.2 per cent reduction in UK aid to Nigeria, cutting development assistance from £136.62 million in the 2025/2026 financial year to £68 million by 2028/2029. The decision forms part of a broader overhaul of Britain’s overseas aid programme as the government redirects funding towards domestic priorities and increased defence spending.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in its 2025–2026 Annual Report and Accounts, the reduction is part of a new three-year plan affecting 34 African countries, with some nations facing cuts of up to 92.5 per cent. The UK aid to Nigeria reduction comes as the United States, Germany, and other European countries also scale back foreign assistance to support defence budgets and domestic economic programmes.
The Labour government said it plans to reduce Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending from 0.7 per cent to 0.3 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2027 to finance what it described as a “necessary increase in spending on defence.”
In its report, the FCDO said, “The Department’s ODA spending plans for 2026–29 reflect the trajectory of this reduction and how the UK is modernising its approach to development.” It added that future allocations would remain under review to respond to humanitarian crises and changing global priorities.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the decision, saying Britain was not abandoning its international commitments. She stated, “In a range of countries, we will transition away from spending high levels of grant ODA, but our ambition and effort will remain high, delivering through modernised partnerships, and making the most of what the UK has to offer.”
Despite the reductions, the UK said countries facing severe humanitarian emergencies and armed conflicts would remain priority recipients of aid.
The UK aid to Nigeria cut comes at a challenging time as Nigeria continues to address humanitarian needs in the North East, strengthen its healthcare system, and respond to climate-related challenges. British assistance has traditionally supported programmes in health, education, governance, humanitarian response, and economic development across the country.
What impact do you think the reduction in UK aid will have on Nigeria’s development programmes?
