Nigeria’s export sector has received a significant boost as over 3,500 locally produced goods now enjoy zero-tariff access to the United Kingdom under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). This development, announced during the third phase of the UK-Nigeria Standards Partnership Programme in Lagos, is expected to enhance Nigeria’s export competitiveness and attract more international market opportunities for local manufacturers, agribusinesses, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The Standards Partnership Programme, a collaborative effort between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the National Quality Council (NQC) of Nigeria, is designed to eliminate trade barriers, improve product quality, and expand Nigeria’s market access in the global trade ecosystem.
Speaking at the event, Osita Aboloma, Chairman and Chief Executive of the NQC, described the partnership as a turning point for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, stressing that it would accelerate Nigeria’s readiness for international exports.
“This partnership provides a strategic pathway to elevate our export standards, reduce technical barriers, and facilitate smooth import and export processes between Nigeria and the UK,” Aboloma stated. “It will also contribute significantly to job creation, economic growth, and improved social welfare.”
The programme, implemented by the British Standards Institution (BSI), focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure across four critical areas: standards, conformity assessment, metrology, and accreditation. According to Aboloma, this move will increase investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s reputation as a competitive trade partner in the global market.
The duty-free access for 3,500 Nigerian goods under the DCTS presents a huge opportunity for SMEs and agribusinesses, which have long struggled with international market penetration due to high tariff barriers and poor product standards.
Simeon Umukoro, Trade Market Access Lead at the UK High Commission, highlighted the institutionalisation of metrology (the science of measurement) as a critical achievement of the programme. “With better measurement standards, Nigerian goods can now compete favourably in global markets, ensuring product credibility and consumer trust,” he said.
Industry experts have projected that the zero-tariff advantage will particularly benefit Nigerian cocoa, cashew, sesame seeds, shea butter, textiles, and processed food products, which already have high demand in the UK market.
The move aligns with the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence. By improving the quality and market access of locally manufactured products, Nigeria stands to earn higher foreign exchange from non-oil exports.
The UK-Nigeria Standards Partnership, launched in 2023 across 11 countries, is also expected to attract more British investments into Nigeria’s manufacturing, agro-processing, and technology sectors.
Experts say that if fully implemented, the programme could increase Nigeria’s annual export earnings to the UK by billions of naira, creating thousands of jobs in the process.
The NQC has promised to continue working with UK partners to ensure full implementation of Nigeria’s National Quality Policy, which seeks to align local production with international standards. Stakeholders are optimistic that the duty-free access will not only strengthen trade ties with the UK but also position Nigeria as a key export hub in Africa.