Nigeria's Government to Reform Export Grant Scheme and Zones

The federal government is initiating reforms to the Export Expansion Grant Scheme and modernizing the regulatory framework for free trade and special economic zones to enhance Nigeria's exports and attract investments. Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, announced these plans in Abuja while unveiling the ministry’s 2026 Trade Intelligence Tools.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry to address outstanding claims under the Export Expansion Grant Scheme up to 2022 and to reform the program for sustainability. A technical working group led by the Commodities and Export Department has been established with a 60-day mandate to create a comprehensive reform framework that ensures transparency and performance-linked export incentives.

The ministry is collaborating with various stakeholders to improve the competitiveness of free trade zones and special economic zones, aiming to boost production, exports, technology transfer, and job creation. The government’s broader agenda includes building a $1 trillion economy by 2030, requiring coordinated policies across fiscal, monetary, trade, and industrial sectors.