FG Launches Trade Intelligence Tools to Boost Exports, Attract Investment

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The Federal Government has launched new trade intelligence tools designed to improve Nigerian businesses’ access to international markets, strengthen export competitiveness and attract investments into productive sectors of the economy.

The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, in Abuja on October 22, as part of efforts to translate economic reforms and rising trade activity into industrial expansion and job creation.

The tools include the Trade Intelligence Report 2026 and Trade in Six Months: Nigeria Half-Year 2026, which provide information on trade performance, investment inflows, international market developments and the implications of government policies and programmes.

The ministry is also developing a digital Trade Intelligence Portal to connect businesses with market information, prospective buyers and investment opportunities. The portal is expected to help exporters identify promising destinations, understand applicable tariffs and entry requirements, and make informed decisions before entering foreign markets.

Oduwole said Nigeria had recorded progress in capital inflows and non-oil exports, but stressed that the priority was to convert these gains into completed commercial transactions, productive investments, stronger domestic industries and sustainable employment.

She disclosed that capital importation increased from approximately $3.9 billion in 2023 to more than $23 billion in 2025, while non-oil exports reached a record ₦12.36 trillion. Nigerian products also gained access to more than 120 countries during the period.

The minister added that intra-African trade grew by 21 per cent in 2025, highlighting opportunities for Nigerian businesses to expand across the continent through regional trade agreements and improved market access.

However, she acknowledged that high production costs, limited access to finance, logistics constraints and complex trade procedures continued to affect businesses’ ability to compete internationally.

To address some of these challenges, the government is pursuing reforms to export incentives and the regulatory framework governing free trade zones and special economic zones.

Oduwole said President Bola Tinubu had directed the clearance of outstanding Export Expansion Grant claims up to 2022 and called for reforms to make the scheme more transparent, predictable and financially sustainable.

A technical working group led by the ministry’s Commodities Export Department has been given 60 days to develop a comprehensive framework for reforming the grant scheme. The proposed changes are intended to ensure that export support encourages production, value addition and international competitiveness.

The government is also seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area by improving market access and helping local businesses take advantage of opportunities in regional supply chains.

The minister identified CANEX Weekend 2026, scheduled for November 5 to 8 in Lagos, as another platform for connecting Nigerian creative businesses with international buyers and investors. The event is expected to support commercial partnerships and promote Nigerian products and services.

The formal launch of the Trade Intelligence Portal is planned for the event, with the platform expected to help businesses turn market information and commercial contacts into actual transactions.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described reliable trade intelligence as essential to effective policymaking, trade facilitation and business growth. He urged the ministry’s departments and agencies to integrate the tools into their operations and ensure that the information remains accessible and useful.

Representatives of the private sector also called for stronger collaboration between government and businesses to ensure that trade policies deliver measurable results, including increased export volumes, faster customs clearance, investment implementation and job creation.

The Federal Government said the initiative formed part of its broader strategy to expand domestic production, improve Nigeria’s position in international trade and attract investment capable of supporting its ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030.