UK announces tariff relief on 3,000 Nigerian products

The United Kingdom (UK) has announced that about 3,000 Nigerian products now qualify for zero or reduced tariffs under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which came into effect in 2023.

The UK Head of Trade Policy for Nigeria, Ms. Mujina Kaindama, made this known during the DCTS Roadshow held in Kano.

According to her, the initiative aims to simplify rules of origin to promote smoother compliance and easier access to UK markets.

Kaindama explained that the roadshow was designed to move beyond theoretical discussions by equipping exporters with hands-on knowledge on how to utilise the scheme to grow their businesses, with support from trade specialists.

In her contribution, Dr. Adiya Ode of Propcon+ underscored the agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria, noting that the region produces a wide range of crops that are not only central to local livelihoods but also hold significant export value.

She stressed that agriculture remains a pillar for inclusive growth, job creation, and economic transformation, adding that the DCTS “provides a practical pathway for Nigerian agribusinesses to expand exports and compete globally.”

Similarly, the Director of the Investment Promotion Department at the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mrs. Orji Gertrude, said both countries have maintained close collaboration through the ministry since the scheme’s inception to ensure Nigerian entrepreneurs have access to the right information and can take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.