The Lagos State Government has tasked the State’s Export Promotion Committee with accelerating efforts and strengthening the collective resolve of stakeholders to make 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 committee meeting held on Thursday at the Ministry.
Dr. Aina described the meeting as a strategic platform where bold, actionable and measurable steps are agreed upon, stressing the urgency of diversifying Lagos State’s economy. He explained that the focus is on identifying opportunities in coconut, fisheries, vegetables and other products of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), where the State already has 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.”
He added that the Lagos State Government, through MCCTI, will continue to support and strengthen MSMEs’ participation by providing industrial workplaces at highly subsidised rates, expanding capacity building, promoting research and innovation, increasing access to finance through the 10 billion naira Lagos State Access to Finance through Cooperatives (LASMECO) programme, and facilitating market access while building stronger linkages with off-takers and international buyers.
According to him, “If we increase exports, then we diversify the economy, provide more sustainable jobs and strengthen the economy against external shocks.”
Dr. Aina reaffirmed 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, noted that the Council has developed plans to conduct joint training sessions for stakeholders. She explained that the initiative is designed to increase the range and volume of exportable goods from Nigeria, particularly from Lagos as a leading centre of commerce.
In her remarks, the representative of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mary Ayim, stressed the importance of timely communication from stakeholders regarding the movement of export goods. She said advance information would enable the Police Command to issue directives to checkpoints, thereby preventing undue delays. She pointed out that such measures are critical to reducing spoilage and ensuring that goods retain their value when prepared for exports.
Members of the Committee unanimously agreed that the meeting should be held quarterly to ensure consistency in dialogue, monitoring and engagement on the promotion of non-oil exports.