Nigeria's Non-Oil Export Issues Tied to Domestic Constraints

A report released in Abuja indicates that Nigeria's non-oil export underperformance is mainly driven by domestic structural constraints rather than external tariff barriers. The study, conducted by the Nigeria's Non-Oil Export Network (NPEN), reveals that despite moderate activity, the ecosystem remains structurally constrained.

Official data shows that two-thirds of surveyed exporters have export values below $50,000, with only a minor fraction exceeding $1 million, indicating challenges in scaling commercial exports. The report identifies significant issues such as border bottlenecks, logistical inefficiencies, and regulatory burdens that pressure exporters.

It emphasizes that market access alone is insufficient without complementary reforms to strengthen institutional coordination and enhance firm-level competitiveness. The study calls for the establishment of a single export coordination platform and targeted support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve market intelligence and reduce export logistics costs.

Ahmad Rabiu from NPEN stated that addressing these challenges is crucial for boosting Nigeria's non-oil export growth.