In a significant push to diversify the nation's economy, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) have reignited efforts to scale non-oil exports by connecting local businesses with lucrative opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market.
Government Backing for Export-Led Growth
The initiative was launched during the 7th edition of the NEPC Connect Webinar Series held on Wednesday. The Permanent Secretary of FMITI, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, officially opened the session, titled 'Paving the Way for Nigerian Exporters in the UAE Market'. He emphasized that the event was timely, aligning with the Federal Government's intensified drive to reduce Nigeria's heavy reliance on oil revenue and instead champion export-led economic growth.
Ambassador Rimi described the UAE as a strategic gateway not only to its own market but also to the wider Gulf region, Middle East, and parts of Asia. He urged Nigerian exporters to strategically position themselves to tap into this vast potential. However, he pointed out a critical challenge: despite remarkable growth in trade over the last decade, the trade balance heavily favours the UAE. To bridge this gap, he advised Nigerian businesses to enhance their global competitiveness through improved standards, better packaging, necessary certifications, and strong ethical practices.
Confronting the Stark Trade Imbalance
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, in her opening address, welcomed participants and highlighted the impact of the webinar. She revealed the stark reality of the trade relationship with the UAE. In 2024, Nigeria's exports to the UAE were valued at $27.6 million. In sharp contrast, imports from the UAE stood at a massive $1.56 billion.
This wide gap, she noted, underscores an urgent need for more strategic interventions, expanded value chains, and better-informed market engagement by Nigerian businesses. She explained that the NEPC Connect platform is specifically designed to equip local exporters with the essential knowledge, tools, and guidance needed to navigate complex international markets and grow their operations sustainably.
A key development she highlighted was the collaboration with Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai Chamber International. This partnership is a significant step towards unlocking doors for Nigerian exporters seeking entry into the Gulf region. The UAE offers immense advantages, including robust logistics networks, high consumer purchasing power, and extensive re-export routes, making it a vital destination for 'Made in Nigeria' products.
Regulatory Guidance and Market Insights
The webinar also featured crucial contributions from major Nigerian regulatory agencies. Representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, SON, and NITDA outlined the statutory and regulatory requirements that exporters must meet to succeed in the UAE and other international markets. They unanimously stressed the non-negotiable need for compliance, accurate documentation, and consistent adherence to global standards.
Providing the view from the other side, officials from Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai Chamber International offered valuable insights into UAE market behaviour, entry procedures, and the specific opportunities available for Nigerian businesses within the country's dynamic commercial ecosystem.
The NEPC chief encouraged all participants to fully utilize the knowledge shared, ask detailed questions, and apply the insights to position their businesses for successful regional and global expansion. For those who missed the live session or wish to review the content, she reminded them that recordings of all NEPC Connect webinars are available on the Council's official YouTube channel to support continuous learning.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from FMITI, NEPC, Nigerian regulatory bodies, and the UAE partners to deepen trade relations and provide steadfast support to Nigerian exporters, ensuring they can not only access but also thrive in the promising UAE market.
