The United Kingdom has reiterated its commitment to Nigeria’s economic development by confirming that 99% of Nigerian exports will continue to enjoy duty-free access under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). This assurance is expected to provide a significant boost to Nigerian exporters and further deepen trade ties between both nations.
Designed to lower trade barriers, simplify export procedures, and foster inclusive economic partnerships, the DCTS is a strategic initiative aimed at improving market access for developing economies.
Expanding Access to Over 3,000 Products
Launched in 2023, the DCTS offers reduced tariffs or duty-free access for over 3,000 products from Nigeria and 36 other African nations. Nigerian exporters of both raw and processed goods—ranging from cocoa, shrimp, and yams to cashew nuts, palm oil, and cotton apparel—are among the major beneficiaries of the scheme.
By making it easier and more cost-effective for Nigerian businesses to reach UK consumers, the DCTS supports export diversification and positions Nigerian products competitively on the global stage.
UK-Nigeria Partnership Beyond Tariff Reductions
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, emphasized that the DCTS is part of a broader economic partnership rooted in mutual benefit and long-term collaboration.
He pointed to the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) as another avenue through which both countries are working to eliminate trade barriers and enhance cooperation. The ETIP operates in coordination with Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, focusing on unlocking bottlenecks and supporting private sector growth.
“Nigeria stands at the heart of the UK’s global trade ambitions,” Dr Montgomery said. “This is about more than access — it’s about building a fairer global trading system that creates jobs and supports sustainable growth.”
Part of a Global Trade Realignment
The DCTS also aligns with the UK’s broader post-Brexit strategy to forge strong trade ties with emerging economies. Similar frameworks have been established with countries such as India and the United States, reflecting the UK's effort to promote a fairer and more inclusive global trading system.
For Nigeria, which continues to seek non-oil export growth, the scheme provides a timely opportunity to leverage trade incentives to stimulate industrialization, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
Boosting Confidence in Nigerian Exports
The confirmation of continued duty-free access sends a positive signal to local producers, exporters, and investors seeking predictable trade policies and expanded international market reach. It also reinforces the UK’s role as a key trading partner willing to support Nigeria’s broader development goals.
As global supply chains evolve and the demand for ethically sourced, high-quality products increases, the DCTS stands as a platform for Nigerian enterprises—especially in agriculture and manufacturing—to scale, compete, and thrive in international commerce.