Lagos State Bolsters Non-Oil Export Drive, Targets Africa’s Leading Export Hub

Lagos State Government has tasked the State’s Export Promotion Committee with accelerating efforts and strengthening the collective resolve of stakeholders towards making Lagos the foremost hub for non-oil exports in Nigeria and across Africa.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, gave the charge at the meeting of the committee held at the Ministry on Thursday.

The Permanent Secretary described the meeting as a strategic platform where bold, actionable, and measurable steps are agreed upon, underscoring the urgency of diversifying Lagos State’s economy by identifying key opportunities in coconut, fisheries, vegetable and other products of MSMEs where the State holds a strong comparative advantage.

His words: “I am particularly proud that Lagos achieved another milestone in December 2024 by commencing the export of coconuts to Dubai. This singular act showcased the fact that when value is added and standards are upheld, our products can compete favourably in the international market.

“We also recorded significant progress in sensitising Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on opportunities within the AfCFTA framework. However, we must acknowledge that much more remains to be done to fully prepare our entrepreneurs for global competition.

“The Lagos State Government, through MCCTI, will continue to support and strengthen MSMEs’ participation by providing industrial workplaces at highly subsidised rates, increasing capacity building, promoting research and innovation, expanding access to finance through the 10 billion naira Lagos State Access to Finance through Cooperatives (LASMECO) programme and facilitating market access, while forging linkages 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.”

Dr. Aina expressed the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to creating an enabling environment for exports through progressive policies and strong Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), driven by the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda.

“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.

Representative of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, stated that the Council has developed plans to conduct joint training sessions for stakeholders, and further explained that the initiative is designed to increase the range and volume of exportable goods from Nigeria.

In her remarks, the representative of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mary Ayim, emphasised the importance of timely communication from stakeholders regarding the movement of export goods.

She noted that advance information would enable the Police Command to issue directives to checkpoints, helping to prevent undue delay, as a measure critical to reducing spoilage and preserving the value of goods destined for exports.

As a Committee set up to promote non-oil exports, members unanimously push for quarterly hosting of the meeting for consistency in dialogue and engagement.