The United Kingdom has reaffirmed that 99% of Nigerian exports will continue to enjoy duty-free access under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a move aimed at deepening bilateral trade and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth. Launched in 2023, the DCTS covers 65 countries and allows Nigeria and 36 other African nations to export over 3,000 products to the UK either duty-free or at reduced tariffs, making it easier for Nigerian businesses to access the UK market.
Key Nigerian exports benefiting from the scheme include cocoa, yam, tomatoes, plantain, shrimp, and processed products such as cashew nuts, palm oil, and cotton clothing. The DCTS also simplifies export procedures, lowers tariffs on thousands of products, and removes some seasonal tariffs, providing more opportunities for Nigerian exporters and greater choice for UK consumers.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria emphasized the UK’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, noting that the DCTS supports sustainable and transformative growth for Nigerian businesses, helping them become more competitive on the global stage. The scheme is part of the UK’s broader strategy to foster free and fair trade, drive prosperity, and create jobs in developing countries.
In addition to the DCTS, the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) aims to further resolve export barriers and promote trade by focusing on sectors such as legal and financial services, agriculture, clean growth, and export diversification.
The DCTS is more generous than the previous EU scheme, automatically granting Nigeria enhanced preferences and saving exporters millions in tariffs annually. This initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to building a fairer global trading system that creates jobs and supports sustainable growth in Nigeria and beyond.
