The United Kingdom and Nigeria have embarked on a collaborative journey to bolster trade relations and stimulate economic growth by strengthening Nigeria’s National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) through the Standards Partnership Programme Phase II (SPP II). Launched in June 2024, this initiative represents a significant step towards eliminating technical barriers to trade, enhancing regulatory compliance, and boosting export competitiveness between the two nations. The SPP II, a joint effort between the British Standards Institution (BSI) and Nigeria’s National Quality Council (NQC), with backing from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), focuses on developing a robust quality framework encompassing standardization, accreditation, conformity assessment, inspection, testing, and metrology services. These elements are crucial for expanding trade capacity, attracting foreign investment, and aligning Nigerian products and services with international standards. Ultimately, the program aims to unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth in both countries, solidifying their long-standing trade relationship.
A key component of the SPP II was the National Quality Policy Matrix Implementation Training-of-Trainers Workshop held in Lagos and Abuja. This workshop brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to build capacity for quality compliance and underscore the critical role of metrology. Metrology, the science of measurement, plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy of measurements, calibrations, and certifications, which are essential for meeting international trade standards. The workshop participants engaged in discussions focusing on the importance of a data-driven approach to quality policy implementation, encompassing metrology, accreditation, and conformity assessments. These elements are pivotal in ensuring that Nigerian exports adhere to international standards, thereby minimizing rejections and maximizing market access.
High-ranking officials from both countries emphasized the significance of this partnership. Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, highlighted the crucial role of a strong NQI in Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy. He stressed that enhancing systems related to standards, metrology, and accreditation would significantly boost non-oil exports, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen the Nigerian currency, the naira. Echoing these sentiments, Osita Aboloma, Chairman of the NQC, emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s quality and trade objectives. He asserted that an effective NQI would not only support the government’s economic agenda but also enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets. This shared vision underscores the commitment of both nations to leveraging quality infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth and development.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification and trade enhancement efforts. Simeon Umukoro, Trade Market Access Lead at the UK Department for Business and Trade, emphasized the UK’s continued support for Nigeria’s efforts. He stated that strengthening Nigeria’s NQI would unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth in both nations, further solidifying their already significant trade relationship. The UK currently recognizes Nigeria as its 38th largest trading partner, highlighting the existing economic ties between the two countries. This collaboration seeks to align industrial and machinery standards, improve regulatory cooperation, and support Nigeria’s role as a Digital Trade Champion under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This support extends beyond bilateral trade and aims to strengthen Nigeria’s position within the broader African trade landscape.
The SPP II represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. By focusing on building capacity within Nigeria’s quality infrastructure, the program aims to create a sustainable system for improving the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian products and services. This, in turn, will drive economic growth by boosting exports, attracting foreign investment, and creating jobs. The emphasis on data-driven policy implementation and the inclusion of key stakeholders ensures that the program is tailored to Nigeria’s specific needs and challenges.
In conclusion, the UK-Nigeria Standards Partnership Programme Phase II signifies a significant step towards strengthening trade relations and promoting economic prosperity in both nations. By focusing on developing a robust National Quality Infrastructure, the program aims to eliminate technical barriers to trade, enhance export competitiveness, and attract foreign investment. The commitment of both governments, coupled with the active participation of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, underscores the importance of this initiative. The program’s focus on data-driven policies and its alignment with Nigeria’s role in the AfCFTA ensures a sustainable and impactful approach to enhancing quality and driving economic growth. This partnership has the potential to transform Nigeria’s trade landscape and solidify its position as a key player in the global economy.
