Lagos State government has launched a renewed push to substantially increase Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings, setting an ambitious target of USD 2.5 billion for the period between January and June.
A key plank of this effort is a newly inaugurated Export Committee, mandated to invigorate local production, especially in agriculture and small-scale industries, and to expand the number of exporters. The state is also developing a comprehensive Export Promotion Policy to provide support to goods and services that can compete globally.
To shore up efforts, Lagos has made direct interventions including disbursement of over ₦8.4 billion to more than 12,700 micro, small and medium enterprises through its Employment Trust Fund, aimed at helping them scale up, meet export standards, and overcome recent economic challenges.
Leaders from trade bodies, including the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists in Lagos, have praised the government’s resolve. They pointed out that boosting non-oil exports would create jobs, generate foreign exchange, and strengthen the state’s role as a hub for international trade. However, they also warned that inflation, supply chain disruptions, and infrastructural shortfalls are major hurdles.
Officials say improved export infrastructure, streamlined regulatory processes, and support for value-added production will be central to sustained growth. With the right backing and investment, Lagos aims not only to meet its export revenue goal but to set the pace for the rest of the country in diversifying away from oil dependency.
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