Nigeria and the United Kingdom have unveiled a new Standards Partnership Programme (SPP) aimed at deepening bilateral trade, strengthening Nigeria’s quality infrastructure, and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to compete globally.
Speaking at the official ceremony in Abuja, Simeon Umukoro, Trade Market Access Lead at the UK Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, described the SPP as a catalyst for unlocking Nigeria’s export potential.
“This initiative will boost Nigeria’s capacity to engage in international trade, especially with the UK, by supporting local institutions and SMEs to meet technical and regulatory standards,” Umukoro said.
The SPP aligns with the UK’s commitments under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) with Nigeria, and complements the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers duty-free access for over 3,500 Nigerian products to the UK market.
Strengthening Local Capacity
Launched in 2023 across 11 countries and regions, the SPP aims to enhance trade and drive sustainable, inclusive growth through the adoption of international standards. In Nigeria, the programme is being implemented in partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) and the National Quality Council.
Umukoro explained that the SPP is intentionally designed to benefit not just large companies but also SMEs that often struggle to navigate complex export standards.
“These institutions are being equipped with the tools and expertise needed to ensure Nigerian products meet global quality and safety requirements,” he added.
The programme’s third phase, which runs until March 2026, focuses on four priority sectors leather, tea, cashew and coffee chosen as pilot industries to address gaps in metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessment.
International experts will work directly with local producers to boost their readiness for global markets and improve their competitiveness within Nigeria’s domestic market.
Coordinated National Quality Policy
According to Umukoro, the SPP is working closely with Nigeria’s National Quality Council to implement a coordinated National Quality Policy an effort many countries have struggled to sustain positioning Nigeria ahead of several emerging economies in standardisation and market access.
The UK’s British Standards Institution (BSI) is delivering the programme in partnership with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Richard Taylor, Knowledge Services Director at BSI, noted that raising awareness and understanding of the benefits of international standards can unlock new opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
“This programme will help private sector enterprises enhance trade, unlock market access and boost product competitiveness,” Taylor said.
Taylor added that the BSI looks forward to continuing collaboration with local stakeholders to drive impact and progress throughout 2025.
Opening Global Doors
By helping businesses align with global best practices, the SPP is expected to increase Nigeria’s export capacity and improve its standing as a reliable trade partner in the global marketplace.
For many local producers, especially SMEs in the pilot sectors, meeting global standards could open doors to lucrative markets while attracting investments and creating jobs at home.
“By continuing this work, we can position Nigeria as a key player in international trade,” Umukoro emphasised.
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