Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized the critical role of exports in the nation’s economic recovery, outlining key strategies to tap into the country’s vast potential in global trade.
Speaking at the World Trade Center (WTC) Abuja’s “Sapphire Soirée,” Oduwole urged both public and private sectors to collaborate in positioning Nigeria as a major player in the international market.
“Exports are Nigeria’s future.
While the current currency challenges are difficult, they also present a unique opportunity.
Local products have become more affordable globally, giving Nigerian businesses a competitive edge in exports,” Oduwole stated.
The Minister highlighted the government’s 2025 focus on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which she described as the backbone of the Nigerian economy.
“We are committed to guiding SMEs through the export process.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has removed trade barriers, enabling Nigerian businesses to expand across the continent with ease,” she explained.
In addition to goods, Oduwole underscored the often-overlooked export potential in services such as fintech, edutech, and cultural industries.
“Nigerian services are highly competitive on the global stage.
With the right regulatory environment, businesses can generate foreign exchange while operating locally.
We want every entrepreneur to understand that they can export services directly from Nigeria,” she emphasized.
Ahmed Karim Adelaja, Vice President of WTC Abuja, supported the Minister’s vision by unveiling the center’s ambitious 2025 agenda.
Among the key initiatives are the launch of a Trade Accelerator Programme to prepare businesses for international markets, participation in the Global Business Forum in Marseille, France, and the implementation of advanced security measures to solidify WTC Abuja as Nigeria’s premier commercial hub.
“At WTC Abuja, we aim to be more than just a landmark; we are Nigeria’s strategic gateway to global trade.
Our mission is to attract international brands, foster innovation, and unlock global opportunities for Nigerian enterprises,” Adelaja said.
The Minister praised WTC Abuja’s efforts and aligned them with President Bola Tinubu’s recent international investment missions to South Africa, France, and Brazil.
“The federal government is actively seeking foreign investments, but we need the private sector to mirror these efforts.
Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem for trade and investment,” Oduwole concluded.
