Nigeria, UK Agency Partner to Boost Nigerian Exports to The United Kingdom

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade, has commenced a sensitization programme to educate Nigerian exporters on opportunities within the United Kingdom market.

Both parties, on Wednesday in Lagos, convened a workshop focused on the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), drawing a large turnout of exporters and key stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Orji Gertrude, Director of Trade and Investment, representing Ambassador Abba Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, highlighted the longstanding bilateral ties between Nigeria and the UK, which have continued to foster mutual economic growth. One of the key outcomes of this relationship, she noted, is the DCTS initiative.

Established in June 2023, the DCTS replaces the UK’s former Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and aims to strengthen trade partnerships with developing nations by offering simplified and more generous trade preferences.

Mrs. Gertrude explained that the workshop seeks to build exporters’ capacity and raise awareness about the benefits, eligibility criteria, and procedures under the scheme.

“This initiative comes at a time when Nigeria is deepening efforts to diversify its exports beyond oil and strengthen participation in global value chains,” she stated. “To maximize these opportunities, stakeholders need a clear understanding of the rules of origin, documentation, product standards, and trade facilitation measures under the DCTS.”

She added that the scheme provides duty-free and quota-free access to thousands of products from eligible countries, opening new opportunities for Nigerian non-oil exports such as agricultural produce, textiles, leather, processed foods, and manufactured goods.

Also speaking, Mujina Kaindama, UK Head of Trade Policy and Market Access for Nigeria, explained that the British Standards Institute is collaborating with Nigerian regulatory bodies such as NAFDAC and other agencies to ensure local certifications meet international recognition standards.

According to her, the UK government is building a supportive ecosystem around the DCTS to ensure it serves not just as a policy framework but as a practical tool that enables Nigerian exporters to access and thrive in the UK market.