The Federal Government has announced plans to work closely with state governors to drive Nigeria’s non-oil exports in 2026 by identifying at least one exportable product from each of the country’s 774 local government areas.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this while presenting the ministry’s AfCFTA Achievements Report for 2025, outlining Nigeria’s strategy to deepen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
According to the minister, the initiative is aimed at scaling up local production, strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness across Africa, and ensuring the country takes full advantage of the continent-wide free trade agreement.
She said the programme would be implemented through the AfCFTA Central Coordination Committee, with the ministry partnering development agencies, private sector institutions and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to mobilise production nationwide and raise awareness among businesses.
Under the plan, every local government area is expected to develop at least one product capable of being exported into the AfCFTA market, creating new value chains across the federation.
Dr. Oduwole added that the 2026 AfCFTA agenda would also focus on improving the policy and regulatory environment to ensure the effective implementation of the agreement and its protocols, with her ministry leading the process of regulatory alignment.
The Federal Government also intends to modernise trade data systems to better track AfCFTA transactions, including sector-specific data and participation by women and youths, while stepping up Nigeria’s global advocacy and preparations for hosting major continental trade events ahead of the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair.
To help businesses navigate the agreement, the ministry plans to publish simplified guides on AfCFTA rules and compliance requirements, as well as strengthen institutional coordination among trade-related agencies.
On the investment front, the report said Nigeria will prioritise mobilising both foreign and local investors to rapidly expand production capacity in key sectors, with the goal of positioning the country as a major innovation, manufacturing and distribution hub within the AfCFTA market.
