The Lagos State Government has charged its Export Promotion Committee to intensify efforts and rally stakeholders in positioning the state as a leading non-oil export hub in Nigeria and Africa.
The call was made by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, during a committee meeting held on Thursday at the ministry.
Aina described the gathering as a strategic platform to adopt bold, actionable, and measurable steps aimed at diversifying the state’s economy. He highlighted coconut, fisheries, vegetables, and other products from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key opportunities.
“Together, we have the capacity to make Lagos Africa’s foremost hub for non-oil exports. The responsibility is ours, and the time is now. Let us rise to this challenge with unity, creativity, and determination because exports are not just about goods; they are about Lagos telling its story to the world,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary noted that Lagos recorded a milestone in December 2024 by commencing coconut exports to Dubai.
“This singular act proved that when value is added and standards are upheld, our products can compete favourably in the international market,” he said.
He also pointed out achievements in sensitising MSMEs on opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, while stressing that more work must be done to prepare entrepreneurs for global competition.
According to him, the Lagos State Government, through MCCTI, will continue supporting MSMEs by:
Providing industrial workplaces at subsidised rates.
Expanding access to finance through the ₦10bn Lagos State Access to Finance through Cooperatives programme.
Promoting research, innovation, and capacity building.
Facilitating market access and linking entrepreneurs with off-takers and international buyers.
“If we increase exports, then we diversify the economy, provide more sustainable jobs, and strengthen the economy against external shocks,” he added.
Also speaking, the representative of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Bolanle Emmanuel, disclosed that the council had developed plans to conduct joint training sessions for stakeholders. He explained that the initiative is designed to expand both the range and volume of exportable goods from Nigeria.
