Nigeria’s efforts to increase women’s participation in international trade gained new momentum on Tuesday as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, working with the United Kingdom and the International Trade Centre, launched the UK–Nigeria Trade Mission in Abuja. The programme, designed to support economic development and expand non-oil revenue, brings together exporters, UK importers, investors, and trade development stakeholders to create stronger pathways for women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises seeking access to high-value export markets.
Speaking during the opening session, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, restated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting women-owned businesses under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She said women remain central to Nigeria’s economic growth and that improving their access to global markets is essential to achieving long-term diversification and increasing foreign exchange earnings. According to her, targeted export support initiatives over the past year have already delivered notable progress.
Oduwole announced that 146 women-led businesses have benefited from the WTO and ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, a programme designed to help female entrepreneurs adopt digital tools and improve their online presence. She said, “These women are now better equipped, better informed, and better positioned to enter high-value export markets.” She added that the government’s long-term vision is to diversify the economy, strengthen SMEs, encourage international investment, and position Nigeria as a leading player in global non-oil exports.
The minister also referred to a recent breakthrough in UK–Nigeria trade relations. She explained that in October, the United Kingdom granted Nigeria tariff relief on almost 3,000 product lines under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme. She described the development as a major advantage for Nigerian exporters, particularly women-led MSMEs, noting that it will reduce market entry costs and boost competitiveness in one of the world’s strongest markets.
Oduwole stressed that the UK–Nigeria Trade Mission is a practical platform that creates direct benefits for Nigerian businesses. She highlighted three key opportunities emerging from the three-day event: improving real-time market access, strengthening partnerships between Nigerian exporters and UK importers, and boosting the global visibility of Nigerian brands. She said, “When Nigerian brands are seen, they are valued. And when valued, they attract investment,” urging women entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the mission.
In her welcome remarks, the Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s participation in global non-oil markets. She described the trade mission as “a celebration of shared values, mutual economic aspirations, and a commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade.” She said the SheTrades Nigeria Hub, implemented by NEPC in partnership with the ITC and supported by the UK Government, has played a vital role in strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs.
Ayeni explained that through the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, many women-led businesses in Nigeria have gained access to new markets, improved product standards, and enhanced their readiness for exporting. She also highlighted NEPC’s ongoing capacity-building projects, including training on export procedures, packaging, branding, and digital commerce. She revealed that under the council’s Go Global, Go Certification project, more than 400 MSMEs have been supported to secure internationally recognised certifications such as HACCP, FDA, HALAL and ISO 22000, with women making up 80 per cent of the beneficiaries. She said, “These certifications open doors to global markets and ensure our products meet international standards.”
Ayeni encouraged UK investors and importers to explore Nigerian products, noting that the non-oil export sector holds significant untapped potential. The UK–Nigeria Trade Mission continues through Thursday with exhibitions, B2B meetings, and sector-focused workshops for exporters in agribusiness, beauty and wellness, and processed foods.
