Economists have urged greater export readiness in Nigeria to tap into the United Kingdom’s tariff relief programme, which offers zero or reduced duties on over 3,000 Nigerian products under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)
The tariff programme is seen as a fresh export lifeline following the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) amid opportunities for export stimulation, economic diversification and naira rebound.
The programme, launched in 2023, aims to enhance access to the UK’s vast consumer market while supporting developing economies in global trade.
It covers key sectors such as agriculture, textiles, leather products, and light manufacturing, which have long faced barriers in competitive markets due to high export costs.
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The tariff relief arrives at a pivotal moment as global trade faces growing pressures, especially after the expiration of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the heightened tariff measures introduced under the U.S. President Donald Trump.
For Nigeria, the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) offers a vital alternative route for exports as access to traditional markets becomes increasingly constrained.
Economists, however, have warned that Nigeria must learn from its past inaction under AGOA, where the country failed to maximise export opportunities available to African nations.
They stated that Nigeria’s ability to seize this opportunity would depend on addressing long-standing structural bottlenecks, strengthening production capacity, and sustaining policy consistency to make the country a competitive player in global trade.
Chijioke Ekechukwu, an economist, said Nigeria must return to the drawing board to understand why it did not benefit from AGOA and ensure that exporters are adequately informed and supported this time.
“We need to identify why AGOA did not work for us before it expired. Many African countries took advantage of it, but Nigeria did not. If we fail to promote and publicise the UK’s offer, many exporters will remain unaware and the country may again miss out on these opportunities,” Ekechukwu said.
He called on the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to lead consistent awareness campaigns and provide incentives to encourage participation in export trade.
“There are incentives already in place for exporters, but the government must do more advocacy. When people know the benefits and have support, they will engage in exports and help boost the inflow of foreign exchange,” he added.
Supporting this view, Eze Onyekpere, a development lawyer, emphasised the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s production and value-addition capacity to meet international standards.
“For you to qualify to export, you must first develop capacity in production and value addition. In agriculture, for instance, products must meet trade and phytosanitary requirements of importing countries. That requires training, investment in preservation, and adherence to quality standards,” Onyekpere said.
He also called for greater collaboration among key ministries, including Agriculture, Trade, and Industry, as well as state governments, to create an enabling environment for export growth.
“This must be a national effort. We need to improve the ease of doing business, provide reliable power, even solar in rural areas, reduce post-harvest losses, and invest in packaging and storage to meet global market expectations,” he noted.
According to him, the full implementation of the DCTS could help Nigeria earn more foreign exchange, reduce its import dependence, and ultimately strengthen the naira.
“If we export more, we’ll earn more dollars and pounds, which will help to stabilise the currency and boost national income,” Onyekpere added.
Adding his voice, Samuel Nzekwe, former president of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), said the lack of awareness and inadequate infrastructure remain major obstacles preventing exporters from taking full advantage of trade opportunities.
“The problem is not just lack of information, but lack of useful information for the people who can move Nigeria forward. Export agencies need to go beyond their offices; they should engage producers directly, inspect storage and packaging facilities, and ensure products meet international standards,” Nzekwe said.
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He lamented that many small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) involved in exportable goods struggle due to poor infrastructure, inadequate funding, and limited government outreach.
“Most exporters operate within the SME sector, but they don’t have the equipment or financial strength to meet export requirements. The government must step in with advocacy, training, and targeted assistance,” he said.
Nzekwe also noted that other African countries, such as Rwanda, have been more proactive in leveraging trade opportunities through innovation, proper packaging, and consistent government support.
“I was in Rwanda and saw how they blended local products such as ginger and tea into exportable goods with attractive packaging. Nigeria has the raw materials but lacks coordination. Government agencies should identify regional export potentials, engage local producers, and help them meet international standards,” he stated.
He emphasised that with proper awareness, infrastructure, and security in place, Nigeria could turn the UK’s tariff relief into a transformative opportunity.
“This is a beginning, if Nigerians understand how to take advantage of it, exports will grow, jobs will be created, and foreign exchange will improve. But the government must move beyond talk and work closely with exporters to make it happen,” he explained
