The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in partnership with the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade, has commenced a nationwide sensitisation exercise to educate Nigerian exporters on the business opportunities available in the UK market.
The initiative kicked off on Wednesday in Lagos, where both agencies jointly hosted a large gathering of exporters, trade associations, and other stakeholders for a workshop focused on the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
The workshop aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the scheme, which provides favourable trade terms for developing countries, including reduced tariffs and simplified access to the UK market for a wide range of products.
Officials from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment explained that the sensitisation campaign is part of the federal government’s strategy to boost non-oil exports, strengthen Nigeria’s global trade presence, and promote economic diversification.
They noted that the DCTS offers significant advantages for Nigerian exporters, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, textiles, and processed foods, by lowering trade barriers and expanding market access.
Representatives of the UK Department for Business and Trade reaffirmed their government’s commitment to enhancing bilateral trade relations with Nigeria.
They described the DCTS as a tool for driving inclusive growth, supporting sustainable supply chains, and helping businesses in developing economies to thrive internationally.
Participants at the event welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a timely step toward unlocking new export opportunities and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce.
The sensitisation programme, according to organisers, will be extended to other parts of the country in the coming weeks to ensure broader participation among Nigerian exporters.
