By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Government and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have renewed their commitment to tackling challenges in Nigeria’s export sector, revamping the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) scheme, and boosting non-oil exports to drive economic growth.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG) held in Lagos on Tuesday, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the government was determined to resolve long-standing issues confronting exporters.
Represented by Hajara Usman, Assistant Chief Commercial Officer at the ministry, Oduwole said the government was “fully aware of the difficulties confronting exporters” and was working with the private sector to find lasting solutions.
She added that the ministry was improving inter-agency coordination, streamlining documentation, digitising customs operations, and harmonising standards across borders to enhance efficiency.
On the EEG scheme, Oduwole said a technical working group had been set up to address outstanding claims and ensure transparency. “We are working closely with the Ministry of Finance to ensure these issues are resolved. The minister is not relenting on this,” she said.
Oduwole noted that Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) required “decisive action” to tackle non-tariff barriers, infrastructure gaps, and weak industrial capacity.
“The AfCFTA represents a historic opportunity to reshape Africa’s economic future. However, challenges such as congested ports, unreliable power, and multiple regulations continue to inflate exporters’ costs and weaken competitiveness,” she stated.
Chairman of MANEG, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, commended the government for efforts to clear EEG backlogs but called for a comprehensive policy review to streamline the process.
“Manufacturing exporters face steep production costs due to exchange rate volatility, energy shortages, and multiple levies. We urge the Federal Government to reform the export expansion framework to restore competitiveness,” she said.
Erewa-Meggison also thanked the Nigerian Export Promotion Council for supporting data collection for 2023–2024 exports, describing it as a step toward transparency and better planning.
Delivering the keynote, Professor Olawale Ogunkola of the University of Ibadan urged Nigeria to move from exporting raw materials to processed goods, stressing that value addition was key to stability and growth.
He said, “Export promotion and structural transformation are the only ways to reduce dependence on oil. We must diversify both our products and export markets to protect the economy from global shocks.”
Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, emphasised that manufacturing exports were vital to sustaining economic reforms. “When we export, we strengthen the naira and create jobs. Supporting local investors is essential to unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential,” he said.
