FG Meets Top Exporters, Pledges to Tackle Bottlenecks and Corruption

• The Federal Government, through Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, is committed to resolving regulatory hurdles in Nigeria’s export sector to enhance efficiency
• Customs Comptroller Adewale Bashir pledged to eliminate corruption and automate processes at ports to facilitate smoother export activities

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has committed to addressing regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles in Nigeria’s export sector.

This was disclosed during Tuesday’s meeting with the nation’s top 100 exporters in Lagos.

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Bashir, also vowed to eliminate impediments and corruption within customs processes to facilitate smoother export activities.

At the Ministerial Export Consultation organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, exporters identified several challenges, including:

• Infrastructure deficits.
• High interest rates.
• Lack of export incentives.
• Overlapping duties of regulatory agencies.
• Frequent rejection of Nigerian-made products in international markets.

Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Chairperson of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), emphasized the need to resolve diplomatic barriers hindering the acceptance of Nigerian goods abroad.

“We need to ensure that our goods are not rejected in other countries. Diplomatic efforts are essential to guarantee access and acceptance of Nigerian-made products,” she said.

Minister Oduwole assured exporters of the government’s dedication to removing bottlenecks and improving export processes.

“We are systematically addressing regulatory and bureaucratic challenges. Beyond goods and commodities, we prioritise the export of services, especially in digital trade, where Nigeria aims to be a global leader,” Oduwole stated.

She also mentioned plans to revitalize Nigeria’s commodities exchange and emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to the export sector’s growth.

Comptroller General Bashir announced plans to automate all port customs processes starting next year to enhance efficiency.

“We will never prioritize imports at the expense of exports. Corruption and bottlenecks will no longer hinder export development in Nigeria,” Bashir pledged.