Nigeria is set to receive more than 50 per cent less development assistance from the United Kingdom under a new funding plan that reflects Britain's shift towards increased defence spending and domestic priorities.

Figures released by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office show that Nigeria's allocation will decline by 50.2 per cent, from £136.62 million in the 2025/2026 financial year to £68 million by 2028/2029.

The reduction forms part of a broader restructuring of the UK's overseas development programme, which will affect 34 African countries. The British government said the changes are intended to support higher defence expenditure while introducing what it describes as a more modern approach to international development partnerships.

— PUNCH