The British High Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has organised a one-day workshop in Kano aimed at unlocking new trade opportunities through the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
The workshop brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural export sector to explore how the scheme could enhance market access and profitability for local producers.
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The UK Head of Trade Policy for Nigeria, Mujina Kaindama, while delivering her opening remarks, described trade as a powerful tool for economic development.
She explained that the DCTS offers reduced or zero tariffs on exports, enabling Nigerian businesses to become more competitive in the global marketplace.
Ms Kaindama noted that the DCTS, launched in 2023, provides several benefits, including reduced or zero tariffs on nearly 3,000 products, simplified rules of origin for easier compliance, and fewer conditions for improved market access.
Dr Adiya Ode, the Country Director of PROPCOM+, said the project supports local farmers through improved seed distribution, technical training, and value chain development designed to boost productivity and promote the processing of raw commodities into high-quality export products.
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She urged Nigerian exporters to seize the opportunities offered by the DCTS to expand their market reach.
Aminu Nura Abba, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, represented by the Director of Investment Promotion, Orji Gertrude, described the UK as the third-largest investor in Nigeria, while Nigeria remained the second-largest destination for UK investments in Africa.
She added that the DCTS would further strengthen bilateral trade and deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Naziru Halliru, the Director-General of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (KanInvest), commended the UK government for choosing Kano as the host city, noting that agriculture remains a top priority for the state.
He stressed that Kano, home to the largest grains market in Africa, remains open to new investment and trade opportunities that can drive growth at both local and national levels.