Nigeria's Strategic Trade Advantage in Global Market

Ademola Oshodi discusses the necessity for Nigeria to convert market access into a strategic advantage amid shifting global trade dynamics. The article highlights that trade is no longer a secondary concern but a core instrument of national interest and security.

With the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) set to expire on December 31, 2025, and China announcing zero tariff treatment on imports from May 1, Nigeria faces significant challenges. The article stresses that merely having access to markets does not guarantee benefits; Nigeria must meet international standards and overcome logistical constraints.

President Tinubu's administration is urged to adopt a proactive approach to trade diplomacy, focusing on building institutional frameworks and enhancing intra-African trade. The upcoming fifth intra-African trade fair in Lagos in November 2027 is mentioned as a pivotal event for strengthening trade relationships.

The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of aligning trade policies with foreign policy to effectively respond to global trade shifts.