Nigerian exporters secured unprecedented market access as the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme eliminated import duties on 3,500 Nigerian products, potentially generating $850 million in additional export revenue annually for local manufacturers and agribusinesses.
The trade facilitation announcement coincided with the launch of the third phase of the UK-Nigeria Standards Partnership Programme, a comprehensive technical cooperation framework designed to enhance product competitiveness and eliminate barriers facing Nigerian exports to premium international markets.
National Quality Council Chairman and Chief Executive Ostia Aboloma characterized the partnership as a strategic turning point for Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, offering pathways to elevate export readiness across manufacturing, agriculture, and small and medium enterprise sectors.
“The Standards Partnership Programme will enhance trading activities between both countries through seamless import and export processes, contributing immensely to economic development, job creation, and social welfare,” Aboloma explained during the programme’s public unveiling in Abuja.
UK High Commission Trade Market Access Lead Simeon Umukoro highlighted the institutionalization of metrology as a vital tool for trade competitiveness, enabling Nigerian products to meet international quality standards and access global supply chains more effectively.
The zero-tariff scheme particularly benefits Nigeria’s textile, agricultural processing, leather goods, and manufactured products sectors, where exporters previously faced duties ranging from 8% to 15% on UK market entry. This cost reduction enhances price competitiveness against regional competitors.
Economic projections suggest the preferential trade arrangement could create approximately 75,000 jobs across export-oriented industries while encouraging foreign direct investment in manufacturing facilities targeting UK and European markets through Nigeria’s strategic positioning.
The partnership builds on improving bilateral trade relationships, with British businesses demonstrating increased investment interest in Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources, renewable energy potential, and growing consumer market of over 220 million people.
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