The Federal Government has unveiled new trade intelligence tools to help Nigerian businesses access international markets, attract productive investments and improve the competitiveness of local industries as part of efforts to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, announced the initiative in Abuja, saying the tools would provide exporters and investors with reliable market information to guide business decisions, understand trade requirements and expand commercial opportunities.
Oduwole said Nigeria had recorded significant growth in capital inflows and non-oil exports but stressed the need to translate these gains into productive investments, completed export transactions, industrial growth and job creation.
She disclosed that capital importation increased from about $3.9bn in 2023 to more than $23bn in 2025, while non-oil exports reached a record N12.36tn, with Nigerian products gaining access to more than 120 countries.
The minister also said intra-African trade grew by 21 per cent in 2025, describing the development as an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its participation in regional and international markets.
However, she acknowledged that businesses continued to face challenges, including high production costs, limited access to finance, logistics constraints and complex trade procedures.
According to her, the new tools would enable exporters to identify promising markets, understand applicable tariffs and entry requirements, and obtain reliable information before shipping their products.
Oduwole identified CANEX Weekend 2026 and the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 as important platforms for promoting Nigerian products and connecting local businesses with international buyers and investors.
She announced that the ministry planned to formally launch its Trade Portal at CANEX Weekend, scheduled for November 5 to 8, 2026. The portal is expected to provide market intelligence and help businesses convert trade contacts into actual commercial transactions.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Jani Ibrahim, called for increased private-sector investment in value-added exports, competitive manufacturing and priority export value chains.
Ibrahim said such investments would improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian products, increase domestic value addition and create jobs.
He also stressed the need to strengthen local industries to enable Nigeria to take greater advantage of emerging opportunities in regional and international markets.
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