From Aid to Trade: UK’s DCTS Opens a New Chapter in Nigeria–UK Trade Relations

The United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) — a new trade initiative designed to strengthen economic ties with developing nations through tariff reductions and simplified export rules — marks a significant shift from traditional aid-based engagement toward a mutually beneficial trade partnership between the UK and Nigeria.

By emphasizing market access and value creation rather than aid dependency, the DCTS represents a new phase in Nigeria–UK relations — one built on trade, innovation, and shared prosperity. The scheme seeks to boost trade, attract investment, and spur inclusive economic growth by offering duty-free or reduced-tariff access to the UK market for a wide range of goods.

Anchored by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the DCTS is a central pillar of the UK’s commitment to using trade policy as a tool for sustainable development. It supports partner countries in integrating more effectively into the global trading system.

For Nigeria, the DCTS presents a pathway to greater export diversification, value addition, and foreign exchange earnings. Under the scheme, over 3,000 Nigerian products — including cocoa, cassava, and other agricultural goods — can now enter the UK market duty-free or at reduced tariffs.

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Creating Pathways for Nigerian Exporters

Earlier this week, key stakeholders gathered in Kano for a DCTS Roadshow organized by the UK FCDO and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment. The engagement brought together Nigerian and UK government officials, trade experts, and private-sector leaders to explore how Nigerian exporters can fully leverage the scheme’s opportunities.

Dr. Adiya Ode, Country Director for Propcom+, an eight-year UK-funded rural and agricultural market development programme, explained that the engagement came at a crucial moment when global trade opportunities are rapidly expanding.

“The DCTS has huge potential because it has made tariff-free or reduced-tariff entry to the UK possible for Nigerian goods,” Dr. Ode said. “It has also removed several barriers to trade, such as rules of origin and other conditions that limited Nigerian participation in the UK market.”

Dr. Ode added that the scheme also fosters regional integration:

“With the removal of some rules-of-origin barriers, Nigeria can now source inputs from other West African countries and still export finished products to the UK. This opens new doors for regional trade partnerships and value chain development.”

She encouraged exporters to visit the official gov.uk website for detailed information on eligible products or reach out to Propcom+ for technical support and guidance.

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Turning Policy into Action

Ms. Mujina Kaindama, the UK’s Head of Trade Policy and Market Access for Nigeria, noted that the Kano roadshow aimed to translate trade policy into practical outcomes for local businesses.

“We came to Kano to launch our DCTS roadshow because the scheme is underutilized,” she said. “We want to turn policy into action by demonstrating how the DCTS works and addressing common challenges.”

Kaindama emphasized that the scheme allows duty-free exports of up to 3,000 Nigerian products to the UK.

“It’s not just about exporting raw materials,” she added. “For example, instead of exporting coffee beans, an entrepreneur can process them into instant coffee — sourcing inputs from across Africa — and export that to the UK. This helps businesses add value and earn more from their products.”

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Strengthening Nigeria–UK Business Ties

Mr. Ahmed Rabi’u, National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), described the DCTS as an initiative that strengthens the historic trade relationship between Nigeria and the UK.

“The DCTS has revitalized business ties between our two nations,” he said. “Kano remains the commercial hub of sub-Saharan Africa, and this initiative gives us a platform to expand exports, earn foreign exchange, and grow our economy.”

He added that expanding exports is key to Nigeria’s economic resilience:

“The more we export, the more foreign exchange we earn — and that’s central to building a stronger, more self-reliant economy.”

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Reawakening Kano’s Agricultural Potential

According to Mr. Nazir Halliru, Director General of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (KSIP), the DCTS aligns perfectly with the state’s agricultural and investment priorities.

“Kano already plays a major role in Nigeria’s export economy and hosts one of the largest grain markets in West Africa, with a daily turnover of nearly ₦20 billion,” Halliru said. “This program underscores our administration’s commitment to attracting investment not only through foreign direct investment but also through increased agricultural exports.”

He added that by leveraging the DCTS, Kano can enhance value chain development and position itself as a strategic player in regional and international trade.

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A New Trade Future for Nigeria

The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) serves as a gateway for Nigerian producers to access global markets, diversify exports, and improve livelihoods. As more Nigerian stakeholders embrace this opportunity, the DCTS could help reshape Nigeria’s trade future — one shipment at a time.