NEPC's Nony Ayeni Advocates for Women in Exports

Nony Ayeni, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), addressed the Women Export Conference in Abuja, highlighting the importance of female entrepreneurs in Nigeria's export future. She noted that despite Nigeria's vast resources, the country only commands a marginal share of global exports, contributing just 0.26% to the global merchandise export record of $24.5 trillion in 2024.

Ayeni stated that non-oil exports are crucial for sustaining economic growth, especially as Nigeria has historically depended on oil for revenue. She reported that Nigeria achieved its highest non-oil export performance in 2025, reaching a value of $6.1 billion and a volume of 8.02 million metric tons.

Ayeni outlined several initiatives to strengthen women-led businesses, including establishing dedicated export desks for women across all 36 states and conducting extensive training programs. She emphasized that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Nigeria's economy, with women representing about 40% of this segment.

Ayeni also mentioned the NEPC's support for international certifications, which are critical for accessing global markets.