FG urges women-led businesses to leverage UK tariff relief on 3,000 products

The Federal Government has called on women-led businesses to take advantage of the United Kingdom’s recent tariff relief on nearly 3,000 products under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), describing it as a major opportunity to scale production, reduce market-entry costs, and expand into one of the world’s most competitive markets.

Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade and Investment, stated this during the UK–Nigeria Trade Mission held at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Abuja, which brought together government officials, business leaders, and Nigerian entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities in bilateral trade.

Highlighting the significance of the tariff relief, the minister said that it represents more than just trade facilitation, but a major opportunity for Nigerian exporters, particularly women-led businesses to scale production, reduce market-entry costs, and expand into one of the world’s most competitive markets.

“Today’s engagement reflects our shared commitment to unlocking new markets, strengthening bilateral trade, and ensuring that Nigerian women who remain the backbone of our economy are equipped to compete and excel globally.

“We are not merely facilitating transactions, we are opening doors for livelihoods, and for economic transformation across our continent. Let me also acknowledge a significant milestone in our bilateral relationship: In October, the United Kingdom offered Nigeria tariff relief on almost 3,000 products under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS),” she said.

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The UK’s tariff relief, covering a wide range of products from agriculture and processed foods to cosmetics and wellness items, significantly lowers the cost of market entry for Nigerian exporters.

Oduwole stressed that this is particularly timely, as the Federal Government continues to facilitate market access, streamline trade processes, and promote digitization to make cross-border trade easier for SMEs.

“Over the course of this mission, women-led businesses are gaining practical, actionable knowledge of UK entry requirements. They are also building meaningful partnerships with UK importers, connections that could lead to long-term supplier agreements, joint ventures, and expanded market share.”

According to her, the trade mission also aims to elevate the global visibility of Nigerian brands.“When Nigerian brands are seen, they are valued. And when valued, they attract investment, win market share, and unlock new pathways for growth.”

The Minister urged Nigerian women entrepreneurs to leverage these opportunities to scale production, improve product quality, and position themselves competitively in the global marketplace.

She reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment’s commitment to championing policies, partnerships, and platforms that empower women-led businesses to export, thrive, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

The Minister noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is committed to diversifying the economy, empowering SMEs, and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in non-oil exports.

Highlighting government interventions, Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, stated that Nigeria has made significant strides in equipping women-led businesses to succeed internationally.

She said through initiatives such as the SheTrades Nigeria Hub and the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, implemented in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and supported by the UK Government, 146 women-led businesses have already been trained in export procedures, digital commerce, branding, and market strategy.

Ayeni also highlighted NEPC’s “Go Global, Go Certification” project, which has sponsored over 400 MSMEs to acquire international certifications, including HACCP, FDA, Halal, and ISO 22000, with 80% of beneficiaries being women-led businesses.

These programs, she said, are designed to ensure Nigerian products meet global standards, enhance competitiveness, and access high-value export markets.

“I am proud to announce that 146 women-led businesses have been selected as beneficiaries, with implementation already underway. We understand that knowledge is power.

“That’s why NEPC has rolled out capacity-building programmes covering export procedures, market strategy, packaging, branding, and digital commerce. These trainings are designed to equip our entrepreneurs with the tools they need to compete globally,” Ayeni said.