UK Government Convenes Working Group Dialogue Under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have launched the UK-Nigeria Economic Diversification Dialogue, a strategic follow-up to the recently concluded Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) Roadshow in Kano and Lagos States.

Convened under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), the event which held on Thursday brought together senior government officials, trade experts, and private sector leaders from both nations. The discussions focused on unlocking Nigeria’s non-oil sectors: agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services; with the UK offering support through trade facilitation, investment promotion, and capacity building initiatives.

Opening the event, British Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Jonny Baxter reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening bilateral trade relations, which was valued at £7.9 billion in the12 months ending March 2025.

He also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigerian exporters through the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides generous tariff reductions and simplified trade rules. Under the DCTS, over 3,000 Nigerian products stand to benefit from enhanced market access. These include produce such as ginger, cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, soya beans, and textiles, among others.

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, further said: “Today’s dialogue marks a significant milestone in the UK-Nigeria partnership. It reflects our shared commitment to driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth through strategic exports diversification. By working together, government to government and with the private sector through our market development programmes like Propcom+, we are unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation across key sectors.

“The UK remains a steadfast partner in supporting Nigeria’s ambition to stimulate economic growth. Through initiatives such as the Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS) and our joint efforts with the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment (FMITI), on standards and export readiness, we are laying the foundation for long-term prosperity that benefits both our nations.”

Also speaking, Director of Trade and Investment, representing Ambassador Abba Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Orji Gertrude said “This DCTS initiative comes at a critical time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to diversify its export base beyond oil and strengthen its participation in global value chains. However, to fully harness these benefits, stakeholders must have a clear understanding of the rules of origin, documentation requirements, product standards, and trade facilitation measures under the scheme. Through partnerships like this with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), we aim to reduce barriers to trade, improve competitiveness, and ensure that Nigerian products meet international market standards.”

Looking ahead, both countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to building resilient, diversified economies. The dialogue concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy innovation to drive future trade and investment between both our countries.

UK Government Convenes Working Group Dialogue Under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership

Troops repel ISWAP attack, rescue civilians in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled a coordinated attack by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists on Kukawa town in Borno State.

The Nigerian Army said the terrorists attempted to infiltrate several communities using civilians as human shields, but troops of 19 Brigade engaged them in a fierce battle.

A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) deployed by the terrorists was destroyed by a T-55 tank, while a suicide bomber was neutralised and several others fled in disarray.

In a related development, 11 family members of ISWAP fighters, including four women and seven children, surrendered to troops at Mayanti and Tango 16 in Bama Local Government Area.

Also, troops of 24 Task Force Brigade on patrol along the Dikwa–Ajiri Road discovered and safely detonated three IEDs, while Sector 3 troops arrested five suspects in Monguno town during a cordon-and-search operation.

Troops repel ISWAP attack, rescue civilians in Borno

Borno: Swiss Government to support Borno Model on Post-Conflict Recovery

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday, received the new Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Patrick Egloff, at the Government House in Maiduguri.

During the meeting, Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to the government of Switzerland for its humanitarian support, particularly the aid provided during the 2024 devastating floods that affected Maiduguri and the surrounding local governments.

He, however, emphasised the need to scale up funding and collaboration in key areas, specifically the importance of supporting victims of Boko Haram insurgency in rebuilding their livelihoods and mediation efforts.

“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I wish to extend our appreciation to the Swiss government for its intervention through the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund for emergencies in the North East and the 2024 flood disaster,” Governor Zulum stated.

He added, “We look forward to working with you to see how funding can be increased in some critical areas, especially in supporting victims of Boko Haram insurgency, and how we might collaborate in the field of mediation.”

Governor Zulum informed the Ambassador that the insurgency has been reduced by 90%, with more than 300,000 insurgents and their families having surrendered over the past four years.

“Borno State is now largely peaceful. Notwithstanding the intermittent attacks in some areas, most resettled communities have been able to cultivate their farmlands and their means of livelihood have significantly improved,” he said.

The Governor detailed the success of the locally developed ‘Borno Model’, which focuses on the demobilisation, deradicalisation, and reintegration of repentant insurgents. He requested Switzerland’s support in implementing the model to ensure its continued success.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Egloff, noted that Borno was the first state he had visited since assuming his post.

He commended Governor Zulum’s leadership qualities, describing it as citizen-focused and inspiring. “The leadership you provide is extremely important. Your style of governance, with its proximity to the citizens, is very much in line with European models,” Mr Egloff said.

Ambassador Egloff described Borno Model as a good initiative which his country will be willing to support.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development, Partnership, and Humanitarian Support, Dr Mairo Mandara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, Engineer Ali Goni, while the Ambassador was accompanied by the Senior Programme Officer at the Swiss Embassy, Aline Burki, and Senior Programme Advisor, Ahmed Abdullahi.

Borno: Swiss Government to support Borno Model on Post-Conflict Recovery