FG and MAN Collaborate to Boost Non-Oil Exports, Fix EEG Bottlenecks for Economic Growth
The Federal Government (FG) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have renewed their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil trade sector and addressing longstanding bottlenecks in the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) scheme. The collaboration aims to make non-oil exports a key driver of the nation’s economic growth, with a particular focus on streamlining processes, improving infrastructure, and boosting industrial competitiveness.
Speaking at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, represented by Hajara Usman, Assistant Chief Commercial Officer in the federal trade ministry, highlighted ongoing government efforts to resolve exporters’ challenges. “The ministry is fully aware of the difficulties confronting exporters and is working with the private sector to find lasting solutions,” she said, noting steps to digitize customs operations, harmonize standards, and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Oduwole emphasized that Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) required decisive action to remove non-tariff barriers, upgrade infrastructure, and strengthen industrial capacity. “The AfCFTA is more than a trade agreement—it’s an opportunity to reshape Africa’s economic future. However, congested ports, inconsistent power supply, and complex regulations continue to raise costs for exporters,” she said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to partnerships with manufacturers to diversify the economy beyond oil.
Stakeholders at the event stressed the importance of reforms in the EEG and broader trade facilitation. MANEG Chairman Odiri Erewa-Meggison praised government efforts to clear EEG backlogs but called for a comprehensive policy review to improve competitiveness. Similarly, economics professor Olawale Ogunkola urged manufacturers to focus on value addition, noting that exporting processed goods rather than raw materials could stabilize earnings and reduce Nigeria’s vulnerability to global oil shocks.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, reinforced the critical role of export growth in economic reform, industrial recovery, and currency strengthening. He highlighted the need to support local investors and diversify export markets to fully capitalize on Nigeria’s economic potential. The consensus among participants was clear: collaborative action between government and the private sector is essential to transform Nigeria into a diversified, export-driven economy.
source: punch