The British High Commission in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, has organized 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.
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In her opening remarks, the UK Head of Trade Policy for Nigeria, Mujina Kaindama, 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 globally.
Kaindama said the DCTS launched in 2023, provides several benefits, including reduced or zero tariffs on nearly 3,000 products, simplified rules of origin for smoother compliance, and fewer conditions for improved market access.
“In Nigeria, the DCTS initiative is made possible by PROPCOM+, an eight-year climate-smart rural agriculture programme funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office,” Kaindama said.
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Also speaking, the Country Director of Propcom+, Dr. Adiyas Ode, said the project supports local farmers through the provision of improved seeds, technical training, and value chain development aimed at increasing productivity and promoting the processing of raw commodities into high-quality products.
She, therefore, urged Nigerian exporters to seize the opportunity provided by the scheme to expand their market reach.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Aminu Nura Abba, represented by the Director Investment Promotion, Ms. Orji Gertrude, described the UK as the third-largest investor in Nigeria, while Nigeria remains the second-largest destination for UK investments in Africa.
She said the DCTS would further strengthen bilateral trade and deepen economic cooperation between both countries.
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Also speaking, the Director General of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency, Naziru Halliru, commended the UK government for choosing Kano as the host city, noting that agriculture remains a top priority for the state.
He emphasized that Kano, which houses the largest grains market in Africa, remains open to exploring new investment and trade opportunities that can boost local and national economies.
