The courtesy visit by the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD Nigeria) to the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom on 19 August 2026 comes against the backdrop of a long and evolving Nigeria–UK relationship built on historic, cultural, Commonwealth, educational and commercial ties.

Today, that relationship is increasingly being defined by trade, investment, professional exchange and business-to-business opportunities. UK–Nigeria trade reached £7.6 billion in 2025, while both countries continue to deepen cooperation through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

Amb. Aminu Muhammed Dalhatu

Welcoming the CIoD delegation, His Excellency Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, expressed his pleasure at receiving the Institute and commended its leadership and resolve in strengthening Nigerian professional capacity. He noted that the High Commission is pleased to witness initiatives that connect Nigerian expertise with international opportunities, while contributing to Nigeria’s business growth, investment and economic advancement.

Otunba Adetunji A. Oyebanji

The visit was led by Otunba Adetunji A. OyebanjiOtunba Adetunji A. Oyebanji, F.CIoD, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIoD Nigeria, who expressed appreciation to the High Commission for its continued support.

He described the High Commission as, in many respects, “a home away from home for Nigerians and an important bridge between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”

The CIoD President highlighted the Institute’s more than four decades of work in developing competent, ethical and responsible directors, its Independent Directors Register, Young Directors Forum and the 19th Advanced Company Direction Programme currently taking place in the UK.

He also emphasised the Nigerian diaspora as a reservoir of professional expertise, entrepreneurship, investment and international networks, calling for stronger connections between Nigerian professionals in the UK and Nigeria’s development priorities.

The engagement therefore represents more than a diplomatic courtesy: it reinforces the growing role of professional leadership, diaspora expertise and corporate governance in converting Nigeria–UK historic ties into practical economic opportunity.