The governments of the United Kingdom and Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to boosting trade relations and economic growth through the implementation of Nigeria’s National Quality Policy (NNQP). This initiative, part of Phase II of the Standards Partnership Programme (SPP), was officially launched in June 2024 during the African Organization for Standards (ARSO) General Assembly in Abuja. The programme aims to eliminate technical trade barriers, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance export competitiveness for both countries. 

Implemented by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in partnership with Nigeria’s National Quality Council (NQC), the SPP operates under the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The programme focuses on building a robust quality infrastructure centered on standardization, accreditation, and conformity assessment. It also supports inspection, testing, and metrology services to strengthen UK-Nigeria export capacity, attract investment, and improve trade efficiency in line with global standards. 

Stakeholders from both public and private sectors recently attended the NNQP Matrix Implementation Training-of-Trainers Workshop in Lagos and Abuja. Discussions centered on capacity building for quality compliance and the critical role of metrology in ensuring accurate measurement, calibration, and certification of goods. 

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, emphasized the importance of a strong national quality infrastructure. He noted that improving standards, metrology, and accreditation systems can boost non-oil exports, create jobs, and strengthen the naira. “This partnership with the UK is a major step forward in achieving these goals,” Akume said. 

Osita Aboloma, Chairman of the National Quality Council (NQC), highlighted the importance of stakeholder collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s quality and trade ambitions. He stated that an effective quality infrastructure would support the government’s economic agenda and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian products. 

Simeon Umukoro, Trade Market Access Lead at the UK Department for Business and Trade, reiterated Britain’s strong support for Nigeria’s economic diversification. “The UK and Nigeria remain strategic partners in trade and investment. By improving Nigeria’s national quality infrastructure, we are unlocking new opportunities for innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth,” Umukoro said. 

The collaboration between the UK and Nigeria under the SPP reflects a shared commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and strengthening bilateral trade ties. By addressing quality standards and regulatory compliance, the initiative aims to create a more conducive environment for trade, investment, and economic growth, benefiting both nations.