The Federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking new markets and strengthening bilateral trade as Nigerian women-led small businesses position for global competitiveness. This was the highlight yesterday in Abuja at the opening of the UK–Nigeria Trade Mission under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to diversify the economy, empower SMEs, and expand Nigeria's non-oil export footprint.
Oduwole noted that the platform was already increasing market access for women-led businesses by providing practical knowledge on UK entry requirements for products ranging from fresh produce and processed agri-foods to beauty and wellness items. She said such guidance helps Nigerian products meet global standards in quality, safety and identity.
According to her, the mission is also strengthening meaningful partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and UK importers, creating the foundation for long-term business relationships that can boost exports, create jobs and drive sustainable growth for women-led MSMEs.
She added that improved global visibility for Nigerian brands was another major outcome of the trade mission. "Visibility is power. When Nigerian brands are seen, they are valued. And when valued, they attract investment, win market share, and unlock new pathways for growth," she said.
The minister highlighted a recent milestone in Nigeria–UK trade relations, noting that the UK granted tariff relief on nearly 3,000 Nigerian products under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), offering exporters—especially women-led firms—greater opportunities to scale production and reduce market-entry costs.
Executive Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, said the mission reflects shared values and a mutual commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade. She reaffirmed NEPC's goal of strengthening Nigeria's position in the global non-oil export space while ensuring women entrepreneurs are equipped to participate actively.
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Ayeni explained that the SheTrades Nigeria Hub, implemented in partnership with the International Trade Centre and supported by the UK Government, has become a key platform for expanding market access and business capacity for women-led enterprises.
She added that the mission provides an avenue to deepen business collaboration between both countries, unlock investment opportunities, and co-create solutions for shared prosperity.
Ayeni further revealed that in March 2025, NEPC was selected as an implementing partner for the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, with 146 women-led businesses selected as beneficiaries. The programme focuses on helping entrepreneurs adopt digital technologies and strengthen their online presence.
She said NEPC continues to roll out training programmes on export procedures, market strategy, packaging, branding and digital commerce to help small businesses compete more effectively in global markets.
