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The United Kingdom and Nigeria have deepened their bilateral trade ties through a UK-funded initiative to strengthen the quality of infrastructure and reduce the rejection of Nigerian goods in international markets.
The programme was designed to support local institutions and empower Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to meet international standards, thereby enhancing the country’s access to global markets.
Simeon Umukoro, Trade Market Access Lead at the UK Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, disclosed this on Thursday during the launch of the Standards Partnership Programme in Abuja.
Umukoro explained that the programme aims to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to engage in international trade, particularly with the UK by supporting local institutions and SMEs.
He added that the initiative aligns with the UK’s commitment under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) with Nigeria.
Umukoro highlighted the programme’s potential to enable Nigerian businesses, especially SMEs benefit from the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which grants duty-free access to the UK market for more than 3,500 Nigerian products.
He noted that the initiative is intentionally inclusive, designed not just for large corporations, but specifically structured to assist smaller businesses in meeting the technical and regulatory standards required for exporting to international markets.
According to him, the programme involves establishing institutional frameworks and strengthening national agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS).
“These institutions are being equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to ensure that Nigerian products meet global quality and safety standards”.
He explained that the programme works closely with the National Quality Council and other relevant bodies to implement the National Quality Policy.
This collaboration fosters a coordinated national approach to quality infrastructure which many countries struggle to achieve—giving Nigeria a competitive edge in the global market.
Umukoro also stated that the Standards Partnership Programme, which began in 2022, is currently in its third phase and is set to continue until March 2026.
At this stage, the initiative focuses on four key sectors: leather, tea, cashew and coffee. These sectors were selected as pilot industries to identify existing challenges and address gaps in areas such as measurement standards (metrology), accreditation and conformity assessment. The programme works with stakeholders to close these gaps and raise the sectors to export-ready standards.
He revealed that experienced international specialists will be deployed to work directly with Nigerian enterprises.
Their role is to build the capacity of local businesses, enhance their competitiveness both in international markets and within Nigeria’s domestic economy.
Olalekan Omoniyi, Deputy Director of Standards Development at SON, emphasized the importance of the partnership in creating a shared understanding among stakeholders about the critical role that standards play in facilitating trade and driving exports.
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According to Omoniyi, the collaboration has enabled SON to identify key export products that require standardisation to meet international market demands.
He stressed that a strong national quality infrastructure is vital for any country seeking to participate meaningfully in international trade and achieve long-term economic growth.
Omoniyi also expressed concern over the low level of awareness and appreciation for standards in Nigeria.
However, he noted that the partnership is helping to change this mindset by raising public awareness about the value of standards and metrology.
Awal Imam, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), highlighted the positive impact of the Standards Partnership Programme on Nigeria’s leather industry.
He said it has helped to address infrastructure deficit and align the sector with national and global trade policies.
Represented by Badmos Tope, Assistant Registrar at NILEST, Imam stated that full implementation of the National Leather Policy could enable the industry generate over $1 billion in revenue by the end of 2025.
He called for reduced local consumption of raw hide, known as ‘Ponmo,’ which negatively affects the tanning industry.
He also urged compliance with export standards requiring hides to be processed to at least the crust stage before shipment.
According to him, turning raw hides into finished leather products could increase foreign exchange earnings and create job opportunities for Nigerian youths.
He added that the Standards Partnership Programme is part of a broader UK initiative aimed at promoting shared economic prosperity by unlocking trade potentials between Nigeria and the UK, while also safeguarding product quality and ensuring consumer safety within Nigeria.
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