NPNEN Advocates for One-Stop Export System to Enhance SME Competitiveness
The Network of Practising Non-Oil Exporters of Nigeria convened a high-level SME Competitiveness Strategy Meeting at the Afreximbank African Trade Centre, bringing together policymakers, development partners, and industry stakeholders to address persistent challenges in Nigeria's non-oil export sector. Held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the meeting focused on the immediate realities confronting non-oil exporters and explored strategies to enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
Study Reveals Limited Export Performance Among SMEs
The discussions drew on findings from a study commissioned by the UK Government under its Nigerian economic programme. Presenting the study, a lead consultant noted that although SMEs dominate Nigeria's business landscape, their export performance remains limited. The report revealed that 62 percent of businesses are micro or small enterprises, many female-owned, yet only one percent export more than 50 containers, highlighting constrained scale and capacity.
The study further revealed that 78 percent of Nigeria's exports are agro-processed products, pointing to a heavy concentration in lower value segments of the export chain. Meanwhile, 53 percent of SMEs rely on foreign buyers, underscoring structural weaknesses in domestic market access, distribution networks, and export systems. Barriers such as corruption, unofficial payments, and complex regulatory compliance continue to discourage SMEs from engaging fully in international trade.
Panel Discussion Highlights Operational Challenges
A key feature of the meeting was a panel discussion that allowed participants to share their lived experiences within Nigeria's export ecosystem. Exporters and business owners spoke candidly about operational challenges, including erratic power supply, limited access to finance, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and inconsistencies in policy enforcement. Many stressed the urgent need to shift from theoretical discussions about readiness to practical solutions addressing immediate constraints that prevent SMEs from scaling and sustaining export operations.
During the discussion, one panelist and an entrepreneur raised concerns over the absence of a representative from the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, questioning why the agency, which is mandated to support the sector, was not involved in deliberations directly affecting its constituency.
Call for One-Stop Export System and Policy Alignment
Speaking at the event, National President of NPNEN, Hon. Ahmad Rabiu, called for the establishment of a one-stop export system to address regulatory bottlenecks, reduce costs, and improve Nigeria's competitiveness globally. He noted that many policy decisions were not based on verified realities, particularly regarding infrastructure readiness, and highlighted gaps in exporters' capacity to meet international standards.
Rabiu stressed that successful economies, such as Malaysia, align policy with local realities rather than copying foreign models. He also advocated for the revival of inland ports to ease cargo movement and reduce pressure on seaports, enabling smoother transit for exporters in the hinterland.
Exporters Face Multiple Constraints
Mr. Olufemi Boyede, President of the Nigeria Trade and Investment Center, Canada, added that exporters face multiple constraints, ranging from access to finance and logistics to policy inconsistencies. He emphasized that the absence of a coordinated export system has led to duplication of regulatory functions, increased costs, and weakened Nigeria's position in global trade.
Roadmap to Strengthen SME Export Capacity
During the meeting, the Market Access Study was unveiled as a practical roadmap to strengthen SME export capacity. Experts highlighted key recommendations, including investment in shared infrastructure, training, trade finance, and logistics support. A follow-up session is planned to validate the study's findings and ensure recommendations are actionable.
As Nigeria continues its drive toward economic diversification, stakeholders agreed that empowering SMEs, particularly in the non-oil export sector, remains central to job creation, industrial growth, and long-term economic stability.
