Nigerians have been urged to take full advantage of the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers zero or reduced tariffs on thousands of Nigerian products in a bid to boost exports and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
Speaking at a one-day roadshow in Kano, the Country Director of Propcom+, Dr. Adiya Ode, said the initiative presents major opportunities for Nigerian exporters, particularly in the agricultural sector.
Dr. Ode explained that northern Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources could drive export growth, noting that the region produces crops with significant international market value. “Agriculture remains central to inclusive growth, job creation, and economic transformation,” she said.
In a presentation titled “Introduction to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme,” the Head of DCTS, Jasmine Dirie, said Nigeria is among 65 countries prioritized under the scheme because of its strong export potential.
Dirie noted that under the DCTS, 92% of goods exported from Nigeria to the UK now enjoy zero tariffs—a move expected to deliver long-term benefits to local producers and exporters.
The National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Rabi’u Ahmad, described the roadshow as “timely and impactful,” adding that it provided valuable insights into why Nigeria has not fully tapped existing trade opportunities with the UK.
“Kano remains the commercial hub of sub-Saharan Africa,” Ahmad said, calling for sustained collaboration to unlock the state’s export potential.
The event attracted a large turnout of exporters and trade officials and featured interactive sessions with agencies including NAFDAC, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and NEXIM Bank.