NEPC Urges Exporters to Add Value, Set Standards to Boost Nigeria’s Position in African Trade Market

The Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, has urged Nigerian exporters to prioritise value addition and standardisation as key steps towards boosting the nation’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Nonye who was represented by Arnold Jackson made this known during a one-day workshop organised by the NEPC, themed “Onboarding Nigerian Exporters into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI),” held on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Port Harcourt.

Arnold said the days of exporting raw materials without value addition must come to an end if Nigeria intends to earn premium prices and build a sustainable export-driven economy.

He explained that the Council was working to ensure that exporters understand the new opportunities AfCFTA provides and the responsibilities that come with operating in a continental market of over 1.4 billion people.

Jackson noted that the AfCFTA represents the world’s largest free trade area by membership, offering a platform for Nigeria to diversify its economy, grow non-oil exports, and strengthen intra-African trade.

He added that for Nigerian exporters to fully benefit from the Guided Trade Initiative, they must begin to align their operations with global standards and certification systems that guarantee quality and competitiveness.

According to him, Nigeria cannot afford to continue exporting products without defined national standards. He explained that many international buyers rely on standards and certifications before accepting goods, and Nigeria must build the same level of confidence in its exports.

“We do not want to continue selling raw materials for other people’s industries. If you add value to your own products, you will attract premium prices in the international market. How can we not have our own standards? When you hear of European standards, but we don’t have any.”

Jackson emphasised that the Guided Trade Initiative, which began in 2022 and was launched in Nigeria in 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provides a structured platform for Nigerian businesses to begin trading under AfCFTA preferences.

He explained that the Initiative has expanded from the initial seven participating countries to include 24 more African nations, opening wider markets for Nigerian exporters.

He further said that the NEPC, in collaboration with other agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service, the AfCFTA Coordination Office, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, is working to ensure Nigerian businesses are not left behind.

“We want to mainstream export participation across the country because every local government in Nigeria has something that can be developed and exported. This is the time to think value, not volume.”

Earlier, the South-South Regional Coordinator of the NEPC, Benedict Itegbe, in his welcome address, said the Council remains committed to promoting intra-African trade through deliberate initiatives such as the Guided Trade Initiative.

He said the programme would open new trade routes, strengthen regional supply chains, and empower women in non-oil export.

“We have to unlock the major opportunities available among ourselves on the continent. To that extent, AfCFTA has helped Nigeria to create structures and platforms that will facilitate trade among African nations. We are excited to see more women participating, and we will continue to empower them through partnerships with international organisations.”

The workshop also featured technical presentations by trade experts.

The first presentation, “Leveraging on Guided Trade Initiative Operational Instruments to Access AfCFTA,” was delivered by Sadiq Aliu.

He highlighted the operational mechanisms of the AfCFTA Adjustment Facility, which consists of Base, General, and Credit Funds.

Aliu explained that these financial instruments were designed to cushion short-term fiscal impacts and support both public and private sector players to take advantage of AfCFTA opportunities.

The second presentation, “Developing Quality Products with Branding for AfCFTA,” was delivered by Paul Ajayi, who discussed the importance of developing quality products, proper branding, packaging, and labelling to meet the requirements of African markets.

He emphasised that exporters must pay attention to the language of importing countries, packaging materials, and sustainability standards to compete effectively.

He noted that many African countries are introducing packaging regulations that promote recyclable and biodegradable materials, and Nigerian exporters must adapt to meet these evolving standards.

Jackson concluded by urging exporters to see the AfCFTA not as a challenge, but as a transformative opportunity to reposition Nigerian goods and services across Africa.

“Nigeria has what it takes to compete anywhere in the world. Let us move from aspiration to operation and turn the promise of 1.4 billion Africans into prosperity for our people.”

The workshop brought together exporters, trade experts, and representatives of government agencies, aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and tools required to fully benefit from the AfCFTA framework and expand Nigeria’s economic footprint across the continent.