News
UK Government Convenes Working Group Dialogue Under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership
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
Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have foiled an attempted kidnapping at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi, Bauchi State, in the early hours of Saturday, sources said.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 4:42 a.m. on March 15 when unidentified persons attempted to gain entry into the school premises through the fence near the staff quarters.
Security personnel on guard duty, supported by a patrol team, responded swiftly to the situation. On sighting the approaching officers, the suspected kidnappers abandoned their mission and fled the area.
The development caused brief panic within the school as students raised alarm and ran within the premises. However, no student was harmed or molested during the incident.
Police said the situation has been brought under control, while the school premises remain under close surveillance. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi
Man rescued by security forced after abduction in Fika, suspects flee
By: Zagazola Makama
A 35-year-old man, Haruna Abdul, was rescued unhurt after being abducted from his residence in Fali Village, Gashinge, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, security sources confirmed on Monday.
The incident, which occurred on March 14, involved unknown assailants armed with bows, arrows, and matches, who reportedly invaded Abdul’s home and forcibly abducted him.
During the attempted transport of the victim to an undisclosed location, police and vigilante groups promptly pursued the kidnappers to Gubana in Fune LGA, Yobe State.
The kidnappers reportedly abandoned Abdul along with a seized motorcycle, described as kasere red in color without registration number, before fleeing into the bush.
The victim has since been reunited with his family, while authorities continue efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects for prosecution.
Man rescued by security forced after abduction in Fika, suspects flee
Stray bullet injures man in Tsafe following dispute involving military personnel
By: Zagazola Makama
A 38-year-old man sustained gunshot injuries in Tsafe Township, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, after a misunderstanding involving a military personnel attached to Operation FANSAN YANMA.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on March 14 in the Sahara area when the military personnel, who was in possession of a serviceable rifle, attempted to apprehend one of several youths from Sabon Fegi area.
According to sources , the youths resisted and overpowered the soldier, who reportedly fired his rifle to escape. A stray bullet hit a passerby, identified as Abdulrazak Abdullahi Kayode, in the stomach.
The injured man was initially taken to General Hospital Tsafe before being referred to Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, for further treatment.
Sources said the situation has been brought under control, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Residents have been urged to remain calm while authorities look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Stray bullet injures man in Tsafe following dispute involving military personnel
Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi
Man rescued by security forced after abduction in Fika, suspects flee
One killed as customs officers allegedly shoot driver in Osogbo
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News11 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
