MARKET NEWS

By Solomon Odeniyi

The Vice President of the World Trade Centre Abuja, Karim Ahmed, has said that Nigeria exported 281 non-oil products to 120 countries in 2025

Ahmed said the exports generated $6.1bn, describing the figure as the country’s highest formally documented non-oil export performance.

He disclosed this at the Premier Export Launchpad Bootcamp organised by the World Trade Centre Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the export figures showed that Nigerian products were already gaining access to international markets, adding that the challenge was to ensure that local businesses possessed the capacity to compete sustainably in the global market.

“In 2025, Nigeria recorded its highest formally documented non-oil export performance, valued at US$6.1 billion. During the year, 281 non-oil products were exported to 120 countries,” he said.

Ahmed said the development demonstrated that Nigeria had products and services capable of competing internationally across agriculture, manufacturing, technology, the creative economy and professional services.

“These figures demonstrate that Nigerian products are already finding markets around the world. The question, therefore, is not whether Nigeria has products and services that the world wants. Clearly, we do,” he stated.

He, however, said Nigerian businesses needed to overcome challenges relating to market knowledge, standards, certifications, logistics, documentation, payment systems and consistency in order to sustain their presence in international markets.

“The more important question is whether our businesses have the knowledge, systems, standards and consistency required to enter those markets successfully and remain competitive,” Ahmed said.

He added that having a good product or service was only the beginning, stressing that exporters must understand the requirements of their target markets.

“Businesses must understand which markets to enter, how to position their offerings, the standards and certifications required, how to manage logistics and documentation, how to secure payment, and how to deliver consistently and profitably,” he said.

Ahmed explained that the Export Launchpad Bootcamp was designed to help Nigerian businesses assess their readiness for international trade, identify viable markets and understand the practical requirements for exporting.

He said the initiative would also expose participants to potential buyers, financial institutions, logistics providers, regulators and professional advisers.

“Our ambition is that you do not leave today with simply a folder of presentations. You should leave with greater clarity about where your business stands, the gaps you need to close and the actions required to move forward,” he said.

The WTC Abuja vice president said the ultimate objective of the programme was to help businesses move beyond the aspiration to export and complete actual international transactions.

“Ultimately, the success of this Bootcamp will not be measured by the number of people in this room or the presentations delivered today. It will be measured by what happens afterwards: the businesses that close their readiness gaps, obtain the required certifications, identify credible buyers, enter new markets and complete successful export transactions,” Ahmed stated.

He said the World Trade Centre Abuja would continue to connect Nigerian businesses with knowledge, partnerships, networks and market opportunities needed to participate successfully in global trade. “Our intention is not merely to discuss exporting. It is to help build exporters,” he added.