UK Pushes Kano Businesses to Seize Lucrative Trade Openings Under New Scheme
In a fresh push to deepen economic ties between Britain and Nigeria, the UK government has urged entrepreneurs and exporters in Kano to tap into the vast opportunities presented by the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a flagship program designed to simplify trade between the UK and developing nations.
The UK Head of Trade Policy for Nigeria, Mujina Kaindama, made the call while addressing business leaders during the launch of the DCTS Roadshow in Kano.
The action, she said, was introduced in June 2023 to make exporting to the UK easier, cheaper, and more profitable for African dealers.
Kaindama explained that the DCTS offers reduced or zero tariffs on nearly 3,000 import products, simplified rules of origin, and smaller regulatory hurdles for requesting access.
The goal? To give developing countries like Nigeria a genuine shot at competing in the global market.
“We have come to Kano to launch our Developing Countries Trading Scheme Roadshow because we created the scheme, but it is not being used as it should. Kano business community has yet to fully explore these opportunities.”
She added, “We have brought colleagues from across the African continent to come and speak on how you can practically use the scheme.”
The message was clear, Kano, one of Nigeria’s commercial hubs with deep trading roots, is sitting on untapped export potential.
Adding to Kaindama’s remarks, Dr Adiya Ode, the Country Director for Propcom+, a UK-funded development program, emphasized that the DCTS opens new doors for Nigerian producers, particularly in the agricultural sector.
According to her, the trade scheme eliminates several long-standing barriers that previously hindered Nigerian exporters from accessing UK markets.
“A lot of hindrances that stop Nigerians from exporting goods to the UK have all been removed. We see the potential for boosting trade between Nigeria and the UK,” she stated.
The UK’s #DCTS Roadshow kicks off in Kano, connecting Nigerian exporters & agribusinesses with UK trade experts.
InvestJigawa was represented by Usman Muhammad Saudi, Investment Facilitation Officer, exploring new export opportunities for Jigawa businesses. pic.twitter.com/qVAdp5PWni
— InvestJigawa (@InvestJigawa) October 28, 2025
Husbandry remains a crucial focus, with products such as sesame, gusto, and cashew nuts anticipated to profit from reduced tariffs and easier access to British buyers.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian government, Aminu Nura Abba, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, stressed the enduring cooperation between the two nations.
Represented by Ms Orji Gertrude, the Director of Investment Promotion, he reaffirmed the UK’s position as a major investor in Nigeria.
The UK is presently the third-largest investor in Nigeria, while Nigeria stands as the second-largest destination for UK investments across Africa.
The communication from all sides was unmistakable. The time is ripe for Kano’s business community to embrace new trade channels and maximize import openings.
Kano, long known as a mecca for cloth, leather, and agrarian goods, has the capacity to become a crucial player under the DCTS. But officers say mindfulness and participation remain low.
The UK delegation’s visit aims to change that. With the new scheme simplifying trade processes and lowering costs, British officials are optimistic that more Nigerian businesses will take advantage of the new framework.
The event closed with a shared vision, a future where Kano’s traders, farmers, and manufacturers play a larger role in UK–Africa commerce.
