Nigeria’s export sector received a significant lift with the launch of the third phase of the UK-Nigeria Standards Partnership Programme, a collaborative initiative designed to remove trade barriers, enhance product competitiveness, and expand market access for Nigerian goods in the United Kingdom. The announcement, made during a high-profile event in Lagos, highlighted that over 3,500 Nigerian products now qualify for zero-tariff import duties under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), offering a transformative opportunity for local manufacturers, agribusinesses, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The programme, a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Nigeria’s National Quality Council (NQC), aims to strengthen Nigeria’s trade ecosystem by aligning it with international standards. By fostering cooperation between Nigerian businesses, government agencies, and UK counterparts, the initiative seeks to streamline import and export processes, boost economic growth, and create jobs. The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian National Accreditation System, to discuss strategies for enhancing trade competitiveness.
A Game-Changer for Nigerian Exports
Simeon Umukoro, the UK High Commission’s Trade Market Access Lead, emphasized the programme’s role in institutionalizing metrology—the science of measurement—as a critical tool for ensuring product quality and trade competitiveness. “The zero-tariff access for 3,500 Nigerian products under the DCTS is a landmark achievement,” Umukoro said. “It opens up premium markets in the UK for Nigerian exporters, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, while fostering sustainable economic growth.”
The DCTS, introduced to support developing nations, eliminates tariffs on a wide range of goods, enabling Nigerian businesses to compete more effectively in the UK market. This is particularly significant for SMEs, which form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, as it reduces costs and enhances their ability to scale internationally. The programme also builds on the growing trade relationship between Nigeria and the UK, with British businesses increasingly investing in Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources and vibrant consumer market.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Quality Infrastructure
Osita Aboloma, Chairman and Chief Executive of the NQC, described the partnership as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem. “This programme is a strategic pathway to elevate Nigeria’s export readiness,” Aboloma stated. “By strengthening our national quality infrastructure—through standards, conformity assessment, metrology, and accreditation—we are positioning Nigeria to compete globally while driving economic development and social welfare.”
The initiative, implemented by the British Standards Institution (BSI) since its launch in 2023 across 11 countries, supports Nigeria’s National Quality Policy. This policy aims to ensure that Nigerian products meet international standards, thereby enhancing their appeal in global markets. Aboloma noted that the partnership would facilitate smoother trade processes, create jobs, and improve living standards by fostering a more robust and sustainable economy.
Broader Implications for UK-Nigeria Trade
The UK-Nigeria Standards Partnership Programme is part of a broader effort to deepen economic ties between the two nations. The UK, one of Nigeria’s key trading partners, imported $2.7 billion worth of goods from Nigeria in 2024, primarily in crude oil, agricultural products, and minerals, according to the UK Office for National Statistics. The zero-tariff access under the DCTS is expected to further boost these figures, particularly for non-oil exports like cocoa, sesame seeds, and processed foods.
The programme also aligns with Nigeria’s economic diversification goals, which seek to reduce reliance on oil exports. By enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian goods, the initiative supports the country’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Additionally, it encourages foreign direct investment by showcasing Nigeria’s commitment to meeting global trade standards.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria continues to navigate global economic challenges, including currency volatility and inflation, the UK-Nigeria Standards Partnership Programme offers a vital framework for sustainable growth. By leveraging zero-tariff access and strengthening quality infrastructure, Nigeria can enhance its global trade position, attract investment, and create opportunities for its burgeoning SME sector. The programme’s success will depend on continued collaboration between government agencies, private enterprises, and international partners to ensure that Nigerian products meet the demands of premium markets like the UK.
