As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export capacity and prepare local businesses for international trade, the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), in partnership with GIZ, convened a one-day conference in Lagos to address challenges faced by exporters and provide practical solutions.
Supported by the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria (SEDIN) Programme of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, the event was themed “Export Readiness and Market Access Excel Program: Empowering MSMEs for Export Opportunities.” It brought together stakeholders from various economic sectors, government agencies, women and youth-led trading groups, and export-focused enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Head of Lagos Regional Office, NEXIM Bank, Daniella Jarikre-Ikazoboh, reaffirmed the bank’s mission to improve access to finance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), describing them as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and crucial drivers of growth and diversification.
“Over 41 million MSMEs account for nearly 97 per cent of registered businesses, contributing about 48 per cent to the nation’s GDP and employing 88 per cent of our workforce. Yet, they struggle with limited access to affordable finance, weak infrastructure, and capacity gaps that hinder growth. These are the issues we are committed to solving,” she stated. Jarikre-Ikazoboh added that through the NEXIM Bank Academy, MSMEs are being onboarded onto the African Trade Gateway (ATG) platform to enable seamless trade across the continent.
Head of Component – Access to Market and Innovation/Access to Finance at GIZ, Sina Uti-Waziri, emphasised the importance of equipping MSMEs not just with funding but with the knowledge and tools needed to compete globally. She noted that while Nigerian goods are in high demand internationally, many businesses struggle with meeting export standards and building reliable global partnerships.
“With finance, the right knowledge, and access to markets, Nigerian MSMEs can thrive beyond Africa. Despite shifting global trade patterns and tariff issues, new opportunities are emerging in Europe and Asia. Nigerian entrepreneurs must seize these chances,” she said.
She further explained that GIZ’s support focuses on three core areas: building export readiness, providing finance to women and youth-led enterprises, and connecting exporters to international markets.
In her presentation titled “Expanding Export Opportunities and Enhancing Export Readiness and Market Access for MSMEs,” Southwest Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Bolanle Emmanuel, highlighted the need for more exporters despite Nigeria’s large base of micro and small enterprises. She revealed that out of about 42 million micro businesses and 74,000 SMEs, only 7.64 per cent currently engage in export activities.
Emmanuel listed several non-oil sectors supported for export, including agriculture, textiles, manufactured goods, solid minerals, and entertainment, urging entrepreneurs to collaborate with NEPC to scale their operations for international competitiveness.
Head of Specialised Business at NEXIM Bank, Mohammed Awami, detailed the bank’s financial solutions, such as direct lending, interbank lending, and managed funds, designed to support exporters at different growth stages.
Meanwhile, the President of Women in Export Trade and Investments (WETI), Efe Usin, underscored the value of forming clusters and cooperatives to enhance export competitiveness. She said, “No one succeeds alone in export. Collaboration and shared resources are key to overcoming barriers and scaling faster.”
The conference concluded with a shared commitment by all partners to strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem, create jobs, and expand non-oil revenue through innovation, partnerships, and inclusive trade development.
