A significant boost for Nigerian exporters is underway, as 92 per cent of goods shipped from Nigeria to the United Kingdom now attract zero tariff under the UK’s new trade initiative.
This key development was confirmed by Jasmine Dirie, Head of the Development Country Trading Scheme (DCTS) in Nigeria, during a trade roadshow in Kano on Wednesday.
The event was organized by Propcom+ in partnership with the Kano State Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Trade.
Dirie, in her presentation titled “Introduction to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme,” stated that Nigeria is one of 65 priority countries under the DCTS due to its strong export potential.
She emphasized that the zero-tariff status for 92% of Nigerian goods is designed to deliver long-term benefits to local producers and exporters by enhancing market access and competitiveness.
The DCTS is the UK’s latest trading scheme for developing nations, replacing the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), and aims to make it easier for these countries to export goods to the UK.
Adiya Ode, Country Director for Propcom+, highlighted that the initiative presents major opportunities for Nigerian exporters, particularly those in the agricultural sector.
Ode explained that northern Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources could serve as a major driver for export growth, given the region’s capacity to produce crops with significant international market value.
He stressed that agriculture remains central to inclusive growth, job creation, and economic transformation, urging Nigerians to leverage the DCTS’s zero or reduced tariffs to boost exports and global competitiveness.
The roadshow was described as “timely and impactful” by Rabi’u Ahmad, National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
Ahmad noted that the event provided valuable insights into why Nigeria has not fully capitalized on existing trade opportunities with the UK.
“Kano remains the commercial hub of sub-Saharan Africa,” Ahmad asserted, calling for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to fully unlock the state’s export potential and translate the tariff benefits into actual trade growth.
The one-day event attracted a large turnout of exporters and trade officials, featuring interactive sessions with key regulatory and trade promotion agencies, including NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and NEXIM Bank.
