UK Backs Nigerian Trade Goals With 99% Duty-Free Export Access
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed that 99% of goods exported from Nigeria will continue to enjoy duty-free access under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a move seen as vital for Nigeria’s non-oil export ambitions and bilateral trade growth.
The confirmation was made during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, to Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole in Abuja.
According to both parties, the DCTS remains a crucial pillar of trade relations between the two countries.
The scheme, which came into force in June 2023, replaced the UK’s Generalized System of Preferences. It aims to boost trade with 65 developing countries by simplifying trading rules and reducing import duties on a wide range of products.
Under this arrangement, Nigerian exports especially agricultural products and raw materials will continue to access the UK market without tariffs, provided they meet the origin requirements and other scheme conditions.
Montgomery emphasized that the UK is committed to helping Nigeria fully benefit from the DCTS. He noted that while duty-free access is in place, more needs to be done to support Nigerian exporters in meeting UK market standards, including product quality, packaging, and regulatory compliance.
He added that the British High Commission is actively engaging with Nigerian businesses and trade associations to create more awareness and provide technical assistance where needed.
On her part, Minister Jumoke Oduwole described the UK’s continued support as timely, particularly as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy away from crude oil dependence.
She reiterated that the DCTS aligns with Nigeria’s national goals under the Zero-Oil Plan, which seeks to increase earnings from agriculture, manufacturing, and creative exports.
She also revealed that the Federal Government is working closely with stakeholders to scale up export readiness across multiple sectors, including the removal of logistics barriers, improving port infrastructure, and ensuring that exporters are educated on documentation and compliance.
With the UK standing as one of Nigeria’s top trading partners, the decision to uphold duty-free treatment under the DCTS reinforces Britain’s post-Brexit trade approach while providing Nigerian exporters with a stable and preferential gateway into a high-value international market.
