The UK and Nigeria launched the UK-Nigeria Economic Diversification Working Group Dialogue on Thursday to strengthen bilateral trade ties and promote inclusive economic growth in both countries. The initiative builds upon the progress made during the recently concluded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) Roadshow, which took place in Kano and Lagos states.
Held as part of the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), the event gathered senior government officials, trade specialists, and private sector leaders from both countries. The discussions centered on developing Nigeria’s non-oil sectors, agriculture, and manufacturing, while the UK pledged support through trade facilitation, investment promotion, and capacity-building programs.
British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter reiterated the UK’s dedication to strengthening trade ties with Nigeria, which stood at £7.9 billion as of March 2025.
He also emphasized the UK’s dedication to assisting Nigerian exporters through the DCTS, which offers substantial tariff reductions and streamlined trade regulations.
Through the DCTS, more than 3,000 Nigerian products are poised to gain improved market access, including goods like ginger, cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, soybeans, and textiles, among others.
“This DCTS initiative comes at a critical time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its export base beyond oil and strengthen its participation in global value chains. Through partnerships like this with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), we aim to reduce barriers to trade, improve competitiveness, and ensure that Nigerian products meet international market standards,” said Orji Gertrude, Director of Trade and Investment at Nigeria’s Ministry.
Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to fostering resilient and diversified economies. The dialogue concluded with a call for continued collaboration, knowledge sharing, and policy innovation to drive future trade and investment between the two countries.
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