Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment,, has reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to open new international markets, deepen trade partnerships, and equip Nigerian women—who she described as central to the nation’s economic strength—with the tools needed to thrive globally.
Speaking at the launch of the UK–Nigeria Trade Mission under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme in Abuja, Oduwole explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that the administration is focused on broadening the country’s economic base, empowering small and medium enterprises, and positioning Nigeria as a leading force in non-oil exports.
According to her, the programme provides real-time market access and offers women-owned enterprises clear, practical insights into UK import requirements across various sectors, including fresh produce, processed foods, beauty products, and wellness items. She emphasised that this type of knowledge enables Nigerian products to meet international benchmarks for identity, safety, and quality.
Oduwole added that the mission is cultivating stronger ties between Nigerian businesses and UK buyers. She described these emerging relationships as the foundation for future supplier agreements, expanded export volumes, job creation, and long-term economic opportunities for women-led MSMEs.
She also highlighted the improved visibility Nigerian brands are gaining in the international market, particularly in the United Kingdom. “Visibility drives value,” she said, explaining that brands recognised abroad are better positioned to attract investment, secure market share, and access new growth pathways. She commended participating entrepreneurs for their innovation and resilience, stressing that their contribution is shaping Nigeria’s global economic presence.
The minister further noted a recent development in Nigeria–UK trade relations: the United Kingdom’s decision in October to grant Nigeria tariff reductions on nearly 3,000 products under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). She described the concession as a major opening for exporters—especially women-led businesses—to increase production, lower entry costs, and penetrate one of the world’s most competitive markets.
In her remarks, the Executive Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, said the council has built a platform that enables women-led enterprises to access international markets, scale sustainably, and enhance their competitiveness. She described the gathering as more than a diplomatic engagement, calling it a celebration of shared goals and a commitment to inclusive, sustainable trade.
Ayeni reiterated the NEPC’s mission to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global non-oil export space and highlighted the agency’s efforts to ensure women entrepreneurs are fully included in this growth. She explained that the SheTrades Nigeria Hub—delivered in partnership with the International Trade Centre and supported by the UK Government—is one of the council’s flagship programmes dedicated to building the capacity of women exporters.
She noted that the trade mission presents an opportunity to expand cooperation between Nigerian and UK businesses, explore new investment prospects, and develop mutually beneficial solutions.
Ayeni also announced that in March 2025, the NEPC was chosen as an implementing partner for the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. The initiative supports women in developing and least-developed countries in adopting digital tools and enhancing their online visibility. She revealed that 146 Nigerian women-led businesses have already been selected as beneficiaries.
To strengthen their global competitiveness, Ayeni said the council has introduced training programmes covering export requirements, market-entry strategies, packaging, branding, and digital commerce. These initiatives, she added, ensure entrepreneurs have the knowledge and skills necessary to compete internationally.
