Nigeria's Export Growth Hinges on Execution, Not Just Market Access
Nigeria's journey toward global export competitiveness will not be determined solely by access to international markets but by the discipline and action required to meet those market demands effectively. This was the core message emphasized by Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG) and Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director at BAT Nigeria, during a recent industry event.
Key Insights from the Exporters Development Programme
Erewa-Meggison delivered her remarks at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Exporters Development Programme, specifically during a panel session titled "From Factory to Foreign Markets – Practical Export Pathways." The session took place on April 9 at Commerce House in Lagos and was attended by prominent industry leaders and policy drivers. Notable attendees included Leye Kupoluyi, President and Chairman of Council at LCCI; Alhaji Sada Ladan-Baki, Group Chairman; and Mrs Patience Okala, National Coordinator of the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office. The event underscored a collective urgency to reposition Nigeria as a value-driven export economy.
Current Export Challenges and Statistics
Despite Nigeria's total export value reaching an impressive N77.44 trillion in 2024, marking a 115 percent increase year-on-year, manufactured exports continued to account for less than three percent of the total. Erewa-Meggison views this disparity as a clear indicator that Nigeria must transition from policy ambition to operational execution. She stated, "Nigeria does not have a market access problem; we have an execution problem. AfCFTA presents a $3.4 trillion opportunity across 1.3 billion people, but access without readiness delivers no value."
She highlighted critical inefficiencies that undermine Nigeria's export credibility, noting that more than 70 percent of Nigerian food exports are rejected in international markets. Additionally, nearly 30 percent of manufactured goods fail due to deficiencies in areas such as packaging, labelling, traceability, and certification. According to Erewa-Meggison, these challenges point to deeper issues, including a deficit in quality assurance, technical knowledge, and process discipline across the entire value chain.
Barriers to Optimal Manufacturing Capacity
Many Nigerian manufacturers operate below optimal capacity, not due to a lack of ambition, but because of limited access to technical guidance. This guidance is essential for navigating export documentation, leveraging AfCFTA tariff advantages, and engaging effectively with international buyers. To address these barriers, Erewa-Meggison outlined a clear pathway for reform, anchored on four key pillars:
- Quality standards to ensure products meet global requirements
- Efficient logistics to streamline export processes
- Access to export finance to support manufacturing and trade activities
- Practical domestication of AfCFTA frameworks to maximize trade benefits
Industry Ownership and Future Directions
While acknowledging the importance of policy support, Erewa-Meggison emphasized that industry players must take greater ownership of their export readiness. This involves adhering to global standards, building strategic partnerships, and fully leveraging available trade systems. Through her leadership at MANEG, she has championed a transition from raw commodity exports to value-added manufacturing, driving reforms and capacity development to position Nigerian products competitively on the global stage.
The collective effort from both government and private sectors is crucial for Nigeria to realize its export potential and achieve sustainable economic growth through enhanced execution and quality-driven strategies.
