Nigeria and UK Strengthen Trade Relations with National Quality Policy to Drive Economic Growth
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reinforced their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and economic growth through the implementation of Nigeria’s National Quality Policy (NNQP). This initiative is part of the Standards Partnership Programme (SPP) – Phase II, which aims to address technical trade barriers, improve regulatory standards, and boost Nigeria’s export competitiveness. Launched in June 2024, the programme is supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and is being executed in partnership with Nigeria’s National Quality Council (NQC).
The SPP focuses on improving Nigeria’s quality infrastructure by advancing standardisation, accreditation, testing, metrology, and inspection services. The collaboration between the British Standards Institution (BSI) and Nigeria’s NQC seeks to enhance the quality of Nigerian exports, increase investments, and align local practices with global standards. By doing so, it aims to elevate trade between the two countries, with the potential to positively impact Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
A recent milestone in the SPP’s implementation was the Training-of-Trainers Workshop in Lagos and Abuja, which gathered key stakeholders from both public and private sectors. The workshop focused on quality compliance, metrology, and the role of calibration and certification in ensuring accurate measurements of goods. Nigerian officials, including George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized that improving standards and quality infrastructure is vital for Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and non-oil export diversification.
With Nigeria currently serving as the UK’s 38th largest trading partner, the partnership is expected to play a significant role in boosting trade and investment. The UK Department for Business and Trade reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s economic goals, stating that enhancing Nigeria’s quality infrastructure will unlock opportunities for innovation, competitiveness, and growth for both nations. This collaboration is also expected to support Nigeria’s role as the Digital Trade Champion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
SOURCE: BUSINESS DAY