Nigeria has received a significant trade advantage under the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which grants tariff reductions on nearly 3,000 Nigerian products. The initiative, confirmed in October 2025, is designed to expand access to the UK’s consumer market while supporting global trade opportunities for developing economies.
The scheme, launched in 2023 as part of the UK’s post-Brexit trade strategy, simplifies rules of origin and reduces barriers for exporters from eligible countries. For Nigeria, the programme highlights agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing as priority sectors for growth, offering new opportunities for producers to scale exports into one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
According to the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, the DCTS covers 99% of goods exported from Nigeria, either duty-free or at significantly reduced tariffs. This includes a wide range of products such as cocoa, sesame seeds, textiles, and processed foods, which are expected to benefit from improved competitiveness in the UK market.
Trade experts note that the scheme could help Nigeria diversify its export base beyond crude oil, which still accounts for the majority of its foreign earnings. By lowering costs and easing compliance requirements, the DCTS is expected to stimulate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encourage investment in value-added production.
The UK has emphasized that the programme is part of a broader effort to strengthen trade relations with Africa, positioning the continent as a key partner in its global economic strategy. The move follows similar agreements with other African nations and reflects London’s ambition to deepen bilateral ties in the wake of Brexit.
For Nigeria, the challenge will be to leverage the tariff relief effectively, ensuring that exporters are equipped to meet UK standards and scale production to take advantage of the new market access. Analysts suggest that with the right infrastructure and policy support, the scheme could provide a long-term boost to Nigeria’s non-oil economy.
Sources: Business Insider Africa, GOV.UK, Daily Trust.
