Abuja: Nigeria and the United Kingdom have expressed commitment in deepening trade ties to boost women-led exports and strengthening bilateral trade for global competitiveness. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, made this known at the She Trades UK-Nigerian Trade Mission to Abuja on Tuesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative is in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the event was organised by Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Oduwole emphasized that women remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, highlighting the government’s efforts in expanding market access and strengthening export knowledge pathways over the past year.
Oduwole further stated that initiatives such as the World Trade Organisation, International Trade Centre (WTO-ITC), NEPC, and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are essential in equipping women for high-value export markets. She noted that ongoing discussions by African customs administrations on trade facilitation, e-commerce, and efficient cross-border movement would bolster and promote economic growth.
The minister highlighted the significance of digitized and streamlined trade processes in opening new opportunities for economic transformation. She described the UK tariff relief on nearly 3,000 Nigerian products as a significant bilateral milestone, offering major export opportunities for women-led Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across various sectors.
The mission provided practical guidance on UK entry requirements for agri-food and beauty products, enabling Nigerian products to meet global quality, safety, and identity standards. Oduwole emphasized the platform’s role in fostering meaningful partnerships between Nigerian exporters and UK importers, which would scale exports, create jobs, and expand long-term commercial opportunities.
Dr. Nonye Ayeni, NEPC Director-General, expressed gratitude to the minister, ITC, and the British High Commission for their support of Nigeria’s non-oil export drive. Ayeni noted Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, strong private sector potential, and over 1,000 agro-commodities available for export. She mentioned that NEPC is removing barriers hindering competitiveness under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ayeni reported that Nigeria recorded non-oil export earnings of $5.4 billion in 2024, reflecting strong growth. She added that the council had trained more than 8,000 women entrepreneurs on export standards, packaging, e-commerce, and global market entry. Under the ‘Go Global, Go for Certification’ Initiative, NEPC has supported more than 600 MSMEs with international certifications.
The Deputy British High Commissioner, Ms. Gill Lever, reiterated the UK government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. Lever mentioned that 12 UK companies were engaging 30 Nigerian women-led businesses in the agri-food and beauty sectors. She noted that the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme offers Nigerian exporters one of the world’s most generous market preferences, strengthening supply chains and deepening economic ties between both nations.
Dr. Michelle Kristy, Programme Management Officer, ITC, stated that the mission aimed to unlock market access and showcase Nigeria as a competitive sourcing destination. She emphasized that doing business with women is a strategic economic decision that drives innovation and resilience.