The Nation Newspaper

Tag: non-oil export

  • Non-oil export rises 11.5% to $6.1b

    Non-oil export rises 11.5% to $6.1b

    The Executive Director, CEO Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni has disclosed that Nigerian Non-oil export performance in 2025 reached an all-time high $6.1 billion, representing a year increase of about 11.5per cent over  the$5.46 billion recorded in 2024.

    The ED disclosed this during a press briefing on the performance of non-oil export for 2025-2026 in Abuja, stating that this marks the highest non-oil export value achieved in the country for formal documented trade since the inception of the Council which has so far beaten the council’s  record and underscoring the growing resilience and relevance of the non-oil export sector to Nigeria’s economy.

    Ayeni reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ensuring it recalibrated and re-strategized to be able to achieve much more superlative performance, noting that with this performance, Nigeria has beaten its own record once again. “You will recall that in 2024, and also last year in 2025, Nigeria recorded the highest value of non-oil export,” she said, while assuring that the ‘Double Your Export mantra’ and the initiatives layered under it are yielding great results.

    She said: “This outstanding performance is not the total story as a lot of exports still go out informally through our various borders. NEPC is in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, while the other stakeholders are working hard to mainstream informal trade.

    Read Also: Experts hinge $3b non-oil target on sunflower value chain

    “In volume terms, total non-oil exports stood at 8.02million metric tons, reflecting a 10per cent increase compared to the 7.29million metric tons recorded in the previous year. This growth in both value and volume demonstrates improved export activity across multiple value chains and market destinations.

    “In 2025, Nigeria exported a total of 281 non-oil products. These products cut across agricultural commodities, processed and semi-processed goods, industrial inputs, and solid minerals, reflecting gradual progress toward value addition and broader product representation in global markets.”

    The ED added that Nigeria’s non-oil exports reached markets across 120 countries, with the Netherlands contributing 17.53per cent, Brazil 10.35per cent, and India 7.63per cent of non-oil export. Therefore, these three countries emerged as the top three destinations by value.

    Export to Netherlands increased by 32.46per cent with products including cocoa beans, cocoa butter, sesame seeds and others. Export to Brazil increased by 19.07 per cent.

  • Non-oil export surges by 21 per cent to $12.8billion

    Non-oil export surges by 21 per cent to $12.8billion

    On the strength of the Federal Government’s targeted trade reforms, improved export processes, and increased value addition across key sectors, Nigeria recorded strong progress in export-led growth and diversification, with non-oil exports growing by 21 per cent, reaching $12.8 billion in the first half of 2025.

    This is nearly double the $6.5 billion target and contributing to a N12 trillion trade surplus during the same period.

    The performance reflects a broader expansion in trade activity, with overall trade value rising by 14 per cent, with further gains expected as trade facilitation reforms and logistics infrastructure continue to mature.

    Nigeria’s leading non-oil export commodities included cocoa and cocoa derivatives (butter and powder), sesame seeds, cashew nuts, shea butter, ginger, hibiscus flower, rubber, palm oil derivatives, fertilisers, cement and clinker, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

    The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the arrowhead of the policy reforms in the export sector, outlined these gains in its 2025 review of its activities and priorities for 2026, released last week.

    The document, ‘2025: A Defining Year for Nigeria’s Industry, Trade and Investment’, assessed Nigeria’s economic repositioning under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

    Read Also: Nestoil, Neconde, Ernest Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi’s Appeals suffer major setback

    The Ministry, in the review, said “year 2025 marked a defining phase in Nigeria’s economic repositioning under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The Ministry said it delivered critical reforms and results that deepened industrial capacity, expanded exports, and restored investor confidence.

    “Non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent, reaching $12.8 billion in H1 2025, nearly double the $6.5 billion target and contributing to a N12 trillion trade surplus during the same period,” the review by the Ministry said.

    In the document, which was made available to The Nation, the Ministry stated that “Progress recorded in 2025 reflects strong collaboration across government agencies, the private sector, and development partners, translating policy intent into tangible and measurable economic outcomes”

    Accordingly, the Ministry said it partnered with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in strengthening national export capacity by training 27,352 exporters, certifying 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for international trade.

    The partnership with NEPC also supported 3,047 farmers through the distribution of hybrid seedlings, and advanced inclusive trade through the Women Export Fund, which attracted over 67,000 applications and awarded grants to 146 women-led enterprises.

    Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones generated over $500 million in export revenues and created more than 20,000 direct jobs, reinforcing their role as engines of export-led growth, industrialisation, and employment generation through the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA).

    “In food systems and traceability, we have revitalised the Nigeria Commodity Exchange and launched the National Trade and Distribution Company with Afreximbank to support value-chain development and the traceable, structured trade of agricultural and mineral commodities,” the Ministry added.

    In November 2025, Nigeria launched its Talent Accelerator Network, a part of the Global Network of Accelerators at the World Economic Forum, with four Co-Chairs providing leadership – two Private sector Co-Chairs (CEOs of Africa Finance Corporation and Flour Mills of Nigeria) and two Public Sector Co-Chairs (Ministers of Industry, Trade & Investment and Education) respectively.

    The Accelerator is focused on providing a Coordinated Action Plan to equip the local industry with the required skills and enable the digital export of excess capacity.

    The Ministry also said it advanced the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in shaping Africa’s integrated trade future under the leadership of Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.

    According to the review, Nigeria hosted the Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat alongside 30 Nigerian digital operators, advancing collaboration on digital trade and services exports.

    “Nigeria was subsequently appointed Co-Champion of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade, alongside Kenya and South Africa, by the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government,” it stated, adding that President Tinubu received commendation from the Assembly for advancing digital trade across Africa.

    To strengthen coordination and execution, the Ministry, the review said, inaugurated the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee, which brings together over 20 public and private sector institutions.

    It added that Nigeria gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions, enabling Nigerian businesses to trade duty-free on 90 per cent of goods across Africa, and became the first AfCFTA State Party to publish its five-year implementation review, ensuring evidence-based and accountable implementation.

    The review listed some concrete actions delivered to accelerate exports and competitiveness to include the first-ever national mapping of digital services, identifying over 200 firms across 17 sectors; launch of a dedicated Exports Air Cargo Corridor to East and Southern Africa in partnership with Uganda Airlines and the United Nations Development Programme, achieving 50–75 pert cent reductions in logistics costs

    Other actions include hosting of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Market Access Roundtable in Lagos with regulators from Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. The engagement provided direct insight into market entry rules, licensing requirements, and regulatory processes across these priority markets

    There is also the publication of a Market Intelligence Tool covering cosmetics, agro-processed products, and textiles across thirteen African markets. “These interventions have expanded access for manufactured and agricultural exports and promoted the competitiveness of Nigerian goods and SME’s across regional markets,” the review said.

    Nigeria also secured hosting rights for major continental platforms, including the AfCFTA Digital Forum, Creative Africa Nexus 2026, the AfCFTA Council of Ministers Meeting 2026, the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 and Investopia.

    These platforms bring investment and global partners into Nigeria, opening new markets and financing opportunities for businesses, creatives, exporters, and MSMEs. “Hosting catalytic events creates jobs, boosts local enterprise visibility, and positions Nigeria as a leading hub for trade and innovation in Africa,” the review stated.

    Beyond recording strong progress in export trade, the Ministry also said in 2025, it recorded significant progress in investment attraction, adopting a systems-driven approach that improved project visibility, reduced information gaps, and strengthened the bankability of investment pipelines.

    It noted that the new approach delivered measurable outcomes, with four priority investment projects valued at $13.7 billion progressing to advanced stages, representing a conversion rate of over 25 per cent from $50.8 billion in signed Memoranda of Understanding.

    The ministry said it recorded a decisive turnaround in investment attraction, responding strategically, rather than reactively, to global economic headwinds and clearly signalling that Nigeria is open for business.

  • Reps to address longstanding revenue leakages in Nigeria’s oil, non-oil export

    Reps to address longstanding revenue leakages in Nigeria’s oil, non-oil export

    The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee investigating pre-shipment inspection failures and the non-remittance of crude oil proceeds said on Tuesday that it was determined to address longstanding revenue leakages in Nigeria’s oil and non-oil export.

    Speaking at a capacity-building workshop for members of the committee in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Seyi Sowunmi, Nigeria’s continued losses running into billions of dollars were not abstract figures but the equivalent of hundreds of hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure denied the citizens because of violations of pre-shipment regulations.

    He said the committee was set up in response to mounting evidence of systemic exploitation in crude and non-oil exports, stressing that the probe is a national mission, not a witch-hunt.

    He said, “This committee intends to close loopholes, recover lost value, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s economic governance. For the first time, we are looking at the entire export chain from crude oil flows to financial repatriation through a transparent, data-driven lens”.

    The chairman said the workshop was designed to equip lawmakers with the expertise needed to confront the technicalities surrounding export data, maritime operations, and financial intelligence.

    READ ALSO: Major web outage hits X, Facebook, others amid widespread Cloudflare error

    He said experts in trade compliance, forensic auditing, and international oil transactions are facilitating the training, saying the exercise is an investment in competence, credibility, and national integrity.

    While saying public scrutiny was welcome as democracy flourishes when the people are informed and engaged, Sowunmi stressed that the country must transition to a system where exported barrels are digitally tracked and every dollar earned is accounted for.

    He urged his colleagues to embrace stronger legislative oversight and champion reforms that would guarantee that natural resource earnings benefit Nigerians, warning that the era of impunity and unaccounted exports is coming to an end.

  • ‘Non-oil export, a game changer’

    ‘Non-oil export, a game changer’

    The Niger state Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago and his Nasarawa state counterpart, Abdullahi Sule, have expressed confidence in the nation’s export potential in the non-oil sector, describing it as a game changer for Nigerians.

    Both governors spoke in Abuja at the inaugural shipment of 10 containers of sesame seeds, cassia tora and mica headed for China and the Africa Export conference organised by Nexhub in Abuja.

    Governor Bago who was impressed by the global demand for these commodities said “this is beyond just a business transaction; it’s a game-changer for our people. To see how our local commodities are in high demand overseas is both inspiring and promising for our state and our country. NEXHUB is leading the way, and we’re ready to follow suit.

    “I see a future where our young people and widows, who often feel left behind, are empowered to take part in this booming trade. Exporting is not just for big businesses—it’s for everyone, and we will make sure they are included.

    “Together, with NEXHUB and our neighboring states, we will make sure that Niger State plays a leading role in growing our non-oil exports. This is the future, and we’re all in.”

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Osimhen misses out as Lookman, Ekong make CAF player of the year shortlist

    On his part, Governor Sule said he was not surprised about the high demand for Nigerian commodities overseas and the role NEXHUB is playing in making it all happen.

    He said: “It’s truly remarkable to see how much the world wants what we have right here in Nigeria,” Governor Sule said with enthusiasm. “NEXHUB is making export easy and accessible for our businesses, and this is exactly what we need. This is a moment of pride not just for Nasarawa, but for the entire country.”

    Governor Sule emphasised the importance of leveraging the state’s agricultural potential for global markets, saying “Nasarawa has a wealth of agricultural resources, and with NEXHUB’s support, we can connect our farmers to international buyers. This is a critical step towards economic growth and sustainability for our state.”

    He also stressed the importance of unity and collaboration with other states. “This is not a one-state effort; it’s a shared vision. Together with Niger State and others, we will work hand-in-hand to grow Nigeria’s exports and ensure that everyone benefits from this success.”

    FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike applauded NEXHUB for its efforts in advancing Nigeria’s non-oil export sector at the Abuja Export Conference 2024, describing it as a welcome development for the nation, adding emphasizing the growing importance of private sector initiatives in driving the country’s economic diversification.

    The Minister praised the private sector for its increasing contributions to Nigeria’s export capabilities, saying “NEXHUB’s initiative is a critical step toward boosting our non-oil exports, and this is a much-needed development for the nation.The private sector is leading the way in creating opportunities and ensuring that Nigeria takes its rightful place in the global market.”

    He assured that the government is committed to supporting businesses and creating an enabling environment for export growth. He underscored the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors to unlock Nigeria’s full export potential, particularly in agriculture and solid minerals.

    Managing Director of the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello also applauded NEXHUB for its transformative role in simplifying the export process for Nigerian businesses, adding that NEXHUB has made it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access global markets.

    He said: “NEXHUB has made export easy for everyone. By eliminating many of the complexities that previously discouraged businesses from engaging in export, NEXHUB has opened the door for even first-time exporters to thrive internationally.”

    He said while NEXIM provides the necessary financial backing, NEXHUB plays an equally critical role by offering a streamlined platform for exporters, saying “It’s not just about providing financial resources; it’s about empowering businesses with the knowledge and tools to succeed in the global market.”

  • Nigeria’s non-oil export to UAE hits $608m

    The total value of Nigeria’s non-oil export to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stood at $608 million in 2017, statistics from the Economic Research Department of Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) has indicated.

    The data, which was made available to The Nation yesterday, showed that while UAE’s non-oil export to Nigeria stood at $612 million in 2017, rising from $605 million in 2016, the value of her non-oil imports from Nigeria was $608 million, down from $730 million in 2016.

    While pearls and precious metals accounted for the largest share of UAE’s non-oil imports from Nigeria, valued at $590 million in 2017, wood and plaiting materials came second with total .import value put at $9.8 million. Vegetable products were valued at $5.8 million.

    On the other hand, machinery/electronics, transport equipment, base metals, plastic rubber and chemicals formed the bulk of UAE’s non-oil export to Nigeria. The value of machinery/electronics and transport equipment export stood at $313 million and $85 million, respectively.

    It, however, listed the high potential non-oil imports from Nigeria to include cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and natural rubber. High potential exports by UAE to Nigeria include electrical machinery, pearls/precious stones, copper and articles of leather.

    The Chamber listed the high potential sectors in Nigeria to further boost bilateral trade between Africa’s largest economy and the UAE to include agribusiness, packaging, manufacturing and energy, noting that Nigeria’s considerable oil reserves and significant potential in her agric sector are areas of strength.

    It, however, pointed out that Nigeria’s unemployment levels that have remained high and her business environment, which is in dire need of reforms are weaknesses.

    It also said Nigeria’s economic policy remains personally-focused, posing a threat to investor certainty. It added that oil production remains under Niger Delta militancy.

    Commenting, the Director, Marketing and Corporate Communication, DCCI, Mr. Rami Halawani, said as part of efforts to enhance future collaboration between businesses in the UAE and their Nigerian and other African counterparts, the Chamber was studying the possibility of establishing a representative office in Nigeria.

    Apart from Nigeria, Halawani listed other African countries to include Angola, Uganda and Central African markets. According to him, the Chamber already operates four representative offices within Africa, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique and Kenya.

    “Africa is rich in energy and mineral resources, but lacks the capital, resources and infrastructure to bring this natural wealth to the market.

    “The UAE has access to the capital required by Africa to unlock the potential of its natural resources as well as the infrastructure to sustain economic growth,” Halawani said.

  • Fresh standards to drive non-oil sector

    To enhance the quality of locally made goods, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has unveiled additional 879 standards. According to experts, this will aid the non-oil export drive, Assistant Editor OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports.

    It’s a game-changing initiative. For Nigeria, which has been seeking to speed up the rejuvenation of the non-oil export sector, the unveiling of 879 new standards by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) promises to change the non-oil sector’s narrative.

    For one, the initiative is aimed at encouraging the improvement of quality standards in locally-manufactured goods. And in the thinking of SON and, indeed, other stakeholders, it is perhaps the much-needed tonic to turn around the fortunes of the non-oil sector, where poor quality and standards remained clogs in the wheel.

    The strategic intervention by SON is a welcome development capable of making Nigerian products competitive locally and at the international market by improving certificate processing for exporters and local manufacturers especially in the agric sector.

    The move is a major boost to the Federal Government’s efforts at leveraging a vibrant non-oil oil sector to reboot an economy still battling to fully and sustainably exit its worst recession in history.

    This is so considering that a robust non-oil sector, according to experts, is fundamental to economic diversification, rapid revenue base expansion, sustainable growth and employment generation. More importantly, the initiative raises hopes of ending the embarrassing rejection of Nigeria’s exports because of poor standards.

    SON Director General Mr. Osita Aboloma put this in perspective when he said the 879 new standards would ensure that agricultural goods exported or embargoed by developed economies are not returned because of high level of pesticides, poor quality and improper handling.

    Aboloma stated this in Lagos, penultimate week, when he unveiled the additional 379 standards to the initial 500 approved by the agency. He noted that SON would continue to support the Federal Government’s efforts at growing the non-oil sector to drive the economy.

    He specifically said an important item in the new standards was for beans planting, soil quality, transportation and preservation. He noted that gone are the days when  locally produced beans would be returned by the European Union (EU) because of poor quality, as the gaps have been identified and corrected.

    Aboloma’s words must be heart-warming to the government and operators in the non-oil sector. This is so considering the series of rejection of Nigeria’s exportts, particularly beans, by the EU and other importing countries.

    The EU in June 2015 banned the importation of Nigeria’s dried beans because it contained high level of pesticides dangerous to human health. This came after the Republic of Ireland also rejected and returned five containers of beans exported from Nigeria.

    The products were said to have been received with heaps of weevils, an embarrassing development that put relevant government agencies, including SON on their toes. The agency said they were working to get the EU to lift the ban. But the European body was not impressed by measures taken by Nigeria to resolve the issue.

    Accordingly, the EU extended the ban by another three years, citing the continued presence of dichlorvos (pesticide) in dried beans imported from Nigeria.

    “The continued presence of dichlorvos (pesticide) in dried beans imported from Nigeria and maximum residue levels of pesticides shows that compliance with food law requirement as regards pesticide residual cannot be achieved in the short term.

    “The duration of the importation prohibition should therefore, be extended for an additional period of three years to allow Nigeria implement the appropriate risk-management measure and provide required guarantees,” the EU said.

    For Nigeria currently struggling to boost non-oil export and diversify its economy, the extension of the ban was a blow below the belt. However, while Nigeria was still rattled by the extension of the ban, the US added to her woes by banning the importation of Nigeria’s cocoa into its market.

    The US authorities are said to have taken the action because Nigeria’s cocoa did not satisfy the standard required for exportation into the US.

    It was a national embarrassment, but a new dawn may have emerged courtesy of SON’s latest intervention. According to Aboloma, who was represented by SON Director, Standards Development, Mrs Chinyere Egwuonwu, the new standards were products of working on the value chain, codes and guidelines with critical stakeholders.

    The collaboration with stakeholders, he said, was aimed at arriving at internationally acceptable quality standards while rebooting the economy and creating wealth for farmers, exporters and manufacturers.

    Noting that the standards are inclusive of harvest and post-harvest guidelines, in addition to transportation, Aboloma regretted the high level of rejection of agricultural products outside the country as due to poor processes and procedures.

    His words: “We have observed that there are issues with our agric produce as a result of wrong application of pesticides, using the wrong vehicle such as ones used to transport chemicals, fertiliser.

    “We are also going to achieve procedural certification for people who can key into the programme made for excellence in local manufacturing by awarding them a logo that will distinguish them from non compliant organisations.”

    According to Aboloma, the organisation under his watch has grown and achieved a great success to the extent of achieving a global standard in garri, a staple food.

    He added that CODEX, the international body for standard collection of drug formulae and descriptions, has adopted the standards for garri as formulated by SON globally.

    On the issue of implementation, the SON boss said it would be all-encompassing, as government agencies and relevant stakeholders have been adequately mobilised and carried along in the formation of the policies.

    Apparently aware of the place of exporters in the new dawn in the non-oil sector, the Director, Laboratory Services, SON, Mrs Mojisola Kehinde, encouraged exporters and manufacturers to take advantage of the newly-enlarged SON laboratory in Ogba, Lagos. She added that the agency’s testing capacity has been greatly enhanced.

    Head, Micro-Nutrient Laboratory, Mrs Talatu Ethan, advised consumers to desist from patronising any brand of sugar, salt and vegetable oil that does not have the eye logo with vitamin A fortification. She stressed that SON was geared towards achieving a healthy population through standards.

  • NEPC hails Fed Govt for N20b non-oil export settlement claims

    The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said the reintroduction of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) into the agric product export business will encourage exportation and boost the economy.

    The commission’s Executive Director, Olusegun Awolowo,  spoke in a one-day stakeholders workshop in Port Harcourt Rivers State capital, for non-oil- product exporters to sensitive them on guidelines for the EEG scheme.

    The Federal Government appropriated N20 billion for EEG to settle 2017 export claims.

    Awolowo, represented by the Director, Export Development and Incentives, George Enyekpo, said the EEG, which suspended for more than four years, would encourage competitiveness in export.

    He said the suspension affected earnings from non-oil export, noting that bringing back the EEG will sustain the growth and development of non-oil export.

    Awolowo hailed the Federal Government for the re-introduction, saying the money would offset export claims and reduce loss of revenue.

    NEPC’s Regional Coordinator in Southsouth Mrs Ikejiofor Azuka said in line with the diversification agenda, the commission introduced a Zero-Oil Plan to ensure that the economy would survive at zero export of crude oil.

    Azuka noted that the EEG is a post-shipment export incentive scheme among incentives given to exporters to help them in their export trade.

    She said: “The scheme is aimed at assisting exporters to expand their volume and value of non-oil exports, diversify of the export market and make them more competitive in international market.”

  • Greece, Nexim Bank partner on non-oil export

    Greece, Nexim Bank partner on non-oil export

    The Greek Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr AlekosIkonomopoulos, has indicated interest to partner with Nexim Bank in his country’s quest to develop the nation’s non-oil exports.

    The ambassador, who visited the bank in company of the wife of Mr Ayodeji Ayodele, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Greece, pledged mutual cooperation to boost trade relations between the two countries.

    “We shall create the enabling environment for Greek investors to collaborate with Nigeria in the areas of technology, maritime and agriculture,” he stated.

    Responding, the Managing Director/Chief Executive, NEXIM Bank, Mr Roberts Orya, thanked Mr AlekosIkonomopoulos for taking the initial collaborative step.

    Orya used the opportunity to provide an update on the Sealink Project implementation and maintained that the Sealink is a private sector-driven project and that NEXIM Bank is only facilitating its establishment in line with its mandate, as the Trade Policy Bank of Nigeria to promote and deepen non-oil export trade.

    He said the Sealink Project would promote intra and inter-African trade, thereby fostering regional integration, economic growth and development in the West and Central African sub-regions.

    He said, “Greek investments in Nigeria today exceed US$5 billion, and are growing. They include flour mills and a cement factory in Calabar, Cross River State.”

  • Fed Govt to diversify from oil to non-oil export

    Fed Govt to diversify from oil to non-oil export

    IN its quest to grow additional streams of income for the country, the Federal Government has hinted of plans to diversify the economy towards non-oil exports.

    This, the government said, is to reduce Nigeria’s over dependence on oil for substantial percentages of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange.

    The Director, Special Duties Olajide Mohammed, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), noted that product diversification is the key to Nigeria’s sustained economic development; hence the continued dependence on crude oil as Nigeria’s main foreign exchange earner must be discouraged given that it was an exhaustible commodity characterised by price fluctuation.

    He said, “This brings to fore Nigeria’s abounding potentials in human and natural resources including solid minerals, agricultural commodities and manufacturing were highlighted as veritable areas of investment, which would guarantee sustainable development, since they would provide wealth, create jobs and alleviate poverty.

    “Based on this an appeal is being made to the government to address the infrastructural deficiencies that challenged Nigeria’s growth in these areas. Continually negotiate bilateral, regional and multilateral agreement in relation to the country’s export trade, this is to intensify public private partnership and ensure the realisation of national economic and industrial growth.”

    Expatiating, he said: “There is also need to explore more creative ways of attracting funding to the non-oil sector develop and implement a new Nigeria non-oil export development strategy by ensuring consistency.”