Group Calls for Urgent Action to Unlock Nigeria’s Export Potential

The Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG) has urged the federal government to address high production costs, logistical issues, and other constraints hindering the competitiveness of Nigerian manufactured products in international markets. At its 9th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, MANEG emphasized that the cost of doing business, including high interest rates, inconsistent power supply, rising energy and logistics expenses, poor road infrastructure, and other deficiencies, significantly impacts the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.

MANEG Chairman Ruth Owojaiye stated that while structural reforms cannot be achieved immediately, the business community requires measurable and consistent progress to tackle these constraints. She welcomed the recent reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate to 23 percent, highlighting the ongoing need for affordable credit to support manufacturers in expanding production, investing in technology, meeting international standards, and remaining competitive in export markets.

MANEG also reiterated its demand for the settlement of outstanding claims under the Export Expansion Grant, viewing it as crucial for assisting exporters in a highly competitive global market. Additionally, MANEG emphasized the importance of meeting destination market standards, noting that export competitiveness involves both large-scale production and compliance with technical, quality, and regulatory requirements in international markets.

MANEG Director-General Segun Ajayi-Kadir underscored the broader challenge, suggesting that Nigeria must not only increase export volumes but also ensure its manufacturers compete effectively against cheaper, more efficient products from other countries. He called for investments in regional logistics infrastructure, particularly efficient shipping options to facilitate trade across African markets without excessive reliance on road transportation.

Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Executive Director and CEO Nonye Ayeni provided data on Nigeria's export performance in 2025, reporting a historic high for non-oil exports at $6.1 billion and a significant increase in export volume to 8.02 million metric tonnes. She highlighted the NEPC's efforts to ease export burdens, including the establishment of domestic export warehouses and the implementation of a Single Window trade facilitation system.