As the United Kingdom throws open its market to over 3,000 Nigerian products under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), reactions are pouring in from stakeholders across the export and maritime sectors; with optimism tempered by concerns over Nigeria’s internal readiness to maximize the opportunity.
Recall that the UK’s Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade, Mark Smithson, last week announced that Nigeria qualifies for reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products, including cocoa, cashew, textiles, and other agro-allied goods. He encouraged Nigerian exporters to take full advantage of the scheme, describing it as one of the most generous globally.
While the announcement has been met with applause from several quarters, local exporters and trade professionals in a chat with our correspondent, are sounding a cautious note, warning that unless structural barriers within Nigeria are addressed, the country may yet again fall short of reaping the benefits of a major international trade window.
In an exclusive chat with Shipping Position Daily, Dr. Eniola Yemi Temidayo, an Innovation and Enterprise Consultant and lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, offered a more optimistic outlook.
“If the DCTS is implemented according to the announcement, that will be a great opportunity for exporters of Nigerian products. Government policies, especially the adoption of technology, have made it easier for exporters to do business with government support,” she said.
Dr. Temidayo emphasized that several bottlenecks in business registration, export certification, product inspection, and export documentation—such as obtaining Certificates of Origin and Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) forms—have been addressed under ongoing ease-of-doing-business reforms.
“With the changes in line with government policies, I think the existing framework is adequate to facilitate the export of Nigerian products. If exporters stick to quality standards and don’t fall for the temptation of cutting corners, the UK is a ready market, especially with the growing Nigerian and West African diaspora there,” she added.
Adding a comprehensive perspective, Elizabeth Olanrewaju Nwankwo, CEO of Oklan Best Limited and President of the Oyo State Shippers’ Association, noted that while Nigerian businesses stand to benefit immensely from the DCTS, significant hurdles remain.
“Nigerian businesses can benefit from the UK’s new trade scheme, which grants duty-free or reduced-tariff access to over 3,000 products, including cocoa and cashew. However, several challenges might hinder full utilization of this opportunity,” she said.
She identified three major constraints: infrastructural deficits, regulatory bottlenecks, and the difficulty of meeting UK market standards.
“Infrastructure limitations, such as inefficient ports and transportation systems, increase costs and reduce competitiveness. Our regulatory processes are complex and bureaucratic, and compliance with the UK’s stringent packaging, quality, and safety standards remains a major challenge for many Nigerian exporters,” she explained.
Despite these barriers, she acknowledged the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses, citing simplified procedures, trade agreements like the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), and initiatives aimed at helping Nigerian exporters meet UK market requirements.
“To fully leverage this opportunity, Nigerian businesses should explore new markets, build internal capacity, invest in regulatory compliance and quality control, and seek support through UK trade facilitation programs,” she advised.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tunde Lawal, a freight forwarder operating at the Lagos Port Complex, decried the bureaucracy involved in clearing goods for export.
“Our ports are not exporter-friendly. Many times, it takes weeks to process documents that should not take more than 48 hours. While the UK has thrown open its doors, Nigeria seems to be closing hers,” he remarked.
Adding her voice to the conversation, Mrs. Nkiruka Eze, a seasoned exporter of processed shea butter and hibiscus flowers, raised alarm over persistent challenges in cargo handling and regulatory compliance.
“We face multiple inspections by different agencies at the port, which not only cause delays, but lead to increased costs. Even when we meet product standards, a single packaging flaw can lead to rejection. Many small-scale exporters simply can’t cope,” she said.
Meanwhile, a senior official at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), who spoke under anonymity, acknowledged the concerns, but insisted that the Council is not folding its arms.
“We’re aware of the gaps and are working hard to fill them. We’re intensifying sensitization campaigns and training programmes for exporters, especially SMEs, to help them meet the requirements of the UK scheme and other global markets,” the official said.
Industry insiders are also calling for faster deployment of digital tools like a national single-window export processing platform, which could significantly reduce bureaucratic delays at the ports.
