By Progress Godfrey, Abuja

Nigeria’s non-oil export sector has received a major boost with the United Kingdom offering tariff relief on almost 3,000 products, a development that could open new opportunities for Nigerian exporters, particularly women-led businesses.

The announcement came from the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole, during her keynote speech at the UK–Nigeria Trade Mission held at NEPC Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Dr Oduwole said the mission strengthens bilateral trade while empowering women entrepreneurs to compete globally. She highlighted the practical guidance being provided on UK entry requirements for a variety of products, from fresh produce and processed foods to beauty and wellness items.

She said, “In the last year, we have been intentional about expanding market access and strengthening knowledge pathways — and thanks to WEIDE, the WTO, ITC and NEPC – 146 women are now better equipped, better informed, and better positioned to enter high-value export markets.

“In October, the United Kingdom offered Nigeria tariff relief on almost 3,000 products under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). This is a major opportunity for Nigerian exporters, particularly women-led businesses to scale production, reduce market-entry costs, and expand into one of the world’s most competitive markets.”

In her welcome address, the Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s (NEPC), Mrs Nonye Ayeni, emphasised the importance of inclusive trade and support for women entrepreneurs.

NEPC has rolled out flagship programmes such as the SheTrades Nigeria Hub in partnership with the International Trade Centre and supported by the UK Government. Through the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, Nigerian women-led businesses gain access to global markets, build capacity, and scale sustainably.

Mrs Ayeni highlighted key initiatives supporting exporters, saying, “In March 2025, NEPC was selected as an implementing partner for the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. This initiative supports women entrepreneurs in developing and least-developed countries to adopt digital technologies and expand their online presence. I am proud to announce that 146 women-led businesses have been selected as beneficiaries, with implementation already underway.

“Under our ‘Go Global, Go Certification’ project, launched in 2021, NEPC has sponsored over 400 MSMEs to acquire international certifications such as HACCP, FDA, HALAL and ISO 22000. Notably, 80% of these beneficiaries are women-led businesses, reflecting our commitment to gender-inclusive trade.”

She further explained that the Trade Mission offers a chance to strengthen UK–Nigeria business ties and unlock new investment opportunities.