News
UK Introduces New Trading Rules for Developing Countries
UK Introduces New Trading Rules for Developing Countries
By Michael Mike
The United Kingdom (UK) said it has radically simplified trading rules and cut tariffs on products from developing countries, saving businesses and consumers millions of pounds a year.
A statement on signed by the
Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer | Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Ndidiamaka Eze said the
UK’s new post-Brexit Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) scheme has entered into force on Monday and that it covers 65 countries, including Nigeria.
The statement said the scheme removes or reduces tariffs and simplifies trading rules so that more products qualify for the scheme, making it more generous than the EU scheme the UK was previously a member of.
Eze, in the statement, said: “The scheme will benefit developing countries looking to diversify and increase exports, driving their prosperity and creating jobs. Over time, were developing countries to increase trade with the UK under the scheme, businesses could save millions more on import costs.
“In Nigeria, over 99% of goods exported from the country will automatically be eligible for duty-free access to the UK. Nigeria will receive enhanced preferential
access for almost 3,000 products. E.g. 4.5% removed on cocoa paste, 26.5% removed on fruit juices, & 14% removed on prepared tomatoes.”
Eze disclosed that the UK’s Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston launched the scheme while on a visit to Ethiopia’s largest industrial business park, Bole Lemi.
Speaking at the park, Minister Huddleston, was quoted to have said:
“This DCTS scheme is a brilliant example of the UK taking advantage of its status as an independent trading nation and I am excited to see it implemented
today.
“It will create opportunities for businesses around the world, supporting livelihoods, creating jobs and diversifying local and international supply chains. It will also benefit UK businesses and consumers by lowering import costs on a whole range of products.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, was also quoted to have said that: “The UK’s new trading scheme for 65 developing countries, DCTS, shows how we can use trade to deliver development.
“It will benefit traders around the world, including women-owned businesses, which we are supporting through the UK Trade Partnership programme.”
The scheme is to benefit businesses all over the world and British companies that trade with these countries in everyday products such as bicycles and camping
gear.
Speaking on the launch, UK Deputy British High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones said:“Nigeria is one of the UK’s most important partners in Africa and the UK Government is committed to working with Nigerian businesses and exporters to boost trade between our two great nations. The UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme harnesses the power of trade to help Nigeria and other emerging economies grow and prosper.
“One major benefit of this new UK trading scheme is that it abolishes tariffs on over 3000 everyday products that Nigeria currently exports including cocoa, cotton, plantain, flowers, fertilizers, tomatoes, frozen shrimps and sesame. The overarching aim of the new scheme is to grow trade with developing countries, boosting the economy and supporting jobs in those countries, as well as in ours.”
UK Introduces New Trading Rules for Developing Countries
News
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria is participating in the Cocoa Beyond Borders 2026 Conference in the United Kingdom, joining global policymakers, industry leaders, financiers, and farmer representatives to examine power imbalances and compliance challenges in the global cocoa sector.
Delivering a keynote address, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Nigeria, challenged existing trade and compliance regimes, stating that cocoa-producing nations “must not remain rule-takers in a system where the rules are made without their meaningful input.”
Speaking within the conference theme, “Rules Without Recourse? Navigating Compliance, Power, and Trade Justice in the Cocoa Sector,” the Minister warned that sustainability frameworks would fail if they undermine farmer livelihoods and national sovereignty, stressing that “compliance cannot be just if it weakens producer economies while protecting markets elsewhere.”
Senator Kyari also cautioned against the weaponisation of ESG and environmental regulations as non-tariff barriers, noting that climate action must advance alongside fairness and equity in global trade.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reclaiming value across the cocoa supply chain, emphasising the need for producing countries to move beyond raw exports to processing, branding, and greater market influence, while calling for stronger producer-led alliances to reshape global cocoa governance.
The two-day conference is examining ESG compliance, digital traceability, climate finance, price volatility, and the future of cocoa innovation, positioning cocoa as a strategic asset in global trade justice.
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Three persons were arrested following a foiled armed robbery along the Bauchi–Gombe Federal Highway in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Jan. 26.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 12:16 a.m. when armed robbers blocked the road near Kalajanga Hamlet via Bara Village.
Officers on routine patrol responded promptly, engaging the hoodlums and forcing them to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding bush.
The trail of the robbers led authorities to the house of one Nasiru Ibrahim of Saddiya Hamlet, where two of his children, Isya Nasiru, 20, and Umar Nasiru, 18, were also arrested in connection with the case.
Recovered items included two sticks, a touch light, three bags, a local bullet-proof shirt, face masks, two pairs of shoes, an Oppo android phone, and several local charms.
Sources say Investigations are ongoing.
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
Four killed, 15 injured in lone motor accident on Ibadan–Oyo Expressway
By: Zagazola Makama
Four people were killed and fifteen others injured in a lone motor accident involving a Glynlyon truck along the Ibadan–Oyo Expressway on Jan. 26.
Sources said the truck, with registration number LSD 221 YM, was coming from Kebbi State to Ogun State, carrying rocky stones as well as 23 passengers seated on the stones at the back of the vehicle.
The driver, identified as Muhammed Jibril of Adamawa State, reportedly lost control of the vehicle after hitting a pothole in the Fiditi area, causing the truck to overturn.
The heavy stones reportedly fell on the passengers, killing four instantly, while fifteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured were rushed to General Hospital Oyo for treatment, and the bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the hospital mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Four killed, 15 injured in lone motor accident on Ibadan–Oyo Expressway
Kyari Urges Fairer Global Trade Rules as Nigeria Participates in Cocoa Beyond Borders Conference in UK
Acting Governor Kadafur Assents to 2026 Budget of N892.4 Billion, Local Government Amendment Law
Armed robbery foiled by Bauchi Police, three suspects arrested in Bauchi
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