UK Govt plans to assist Nigeria non-oil exports—Atkinson

United Kingdom  said said, it will assist to boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports in line with the current Federal Government trade policy priorities of Zero crude export Oil Plan. British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Atkinson said this at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in collaboration with the British High Commission hosted one day workshop, on the UK’s new trading scheme in Abuja. Atkinson said, “As an independent trading nation, the UK is one of the foremost champions of free, fair and inclusive trade. The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme harnesses the power of trade to help Nigeria and other emerging economies grow and will boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s wider trade policy priorities and Zero Oil Plan.

As the UK Government, we’re keen to maximise uptake of the DCTS. In this respect, I’m happy to see so many Ministries, agencies and departments gathered here today, so that we can explore underlying export challenges in more detail in order to improve the economic and social wellbeing of both our nations.” In her remarks,  The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Evelyn Ngige noted that, “Nigeria and UK enjoy excellent bilateral relations that translate into befitting and robust programmes such as the Nigeria- UK EDF Framework, Nigeria – UK Business Dialogue and the Proposed Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership that would strengthen the existing bilateral relations between the two countries.

“I wish to put on record our appreciation of the support of the Government of the United Kingdom and the commitment to improve bilateral relations between the two countries and for approving the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS)”. The scheme which was approved in June 2023 is aimed to engender trade between sixty-five (65) Developing Countries, including Nigeria”. Nigeria’s economic aspirations have remained that of altering the structure of production and consumption patterns, diversifying the economic base and reducing dependence on oil, with the aim of putting the economy on a path  of sustainable, all-inclusive and non-inflationary growth.  It is my hope that the UK Government will also favourably consider the interests of Nigerian businesses operating in the UK, to foster a mutually beneficial relationship”.