Nigerians have been urged to take full advantage of the opportunities provided under the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers zero or reduced tariffs on thousands of Nigerian products. This move is designed to boost exports and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
The Country Director of Propcom+, Dr Adiya Ode, made the call during a one-day roadshow in Kano, aimed at enlightening exporters and other stakeholders on the ease of trading with the UK.
Dr. Ode highlighted the vast agricultural potential of Northern Nigeria, noting that the region produces a wide variety of crops that are not only essential to local livelihoods but also hold significant export value in international markets.
She emphasised that agriculture remains central to inclusive growth, job creation, and economic transformation across the region.
In her presentation titled “Introduction to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme,” the Head of DCTS, Ms Jasmine Dirie, explained that Nigeria is one of the 65 countries prioritised under the scheme due to its immense potential.
Ms Dirie noted that under the DCTS, 92% of goods exported from Nigeria to the UK now enjoy zero tariffs, a development expected to yield far-reaching economic benefits for Nigerian producers and exporters.
Also speaking at the event, the national Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Alhaji Rabi’u Ahmad commended the initiative, describing the roadshow as timely and impactful.
He said the engagement provided stakeholders with insights into the reasons Nigerians have not been fully benefiting from existing trade opportunities with the UK, while calling for sustainability to ensure wider participation across relevant sectors.
“Kano remains the commercial hub of sub-Saharan Africa,” Alhaji Rabi’u added, urging continued collaboration to unlock the state’s export potential.
The roadshow attracted a large turnout of participants and featured interactive sessions with key agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and NEXIM Bank, among others.