By Anita Dennis
The federal government is committed to opening new markets, strengthening bilateral trade, and empowering Nigerian women entrepreneurs to compete globally, according to Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Speaking recently at the UK–Nigeria Trade Mission – SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme in Abuja, Dr. Oduwole described the initiative as a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at diversifying the economy, supporting SMEs, and enhancing Nigeria’s profile in non-oil exports.
“This platform is expanding market access in real time and equipping our women-led businesses with actionable knowledge of UK entry requirements – covering fresh produce, processed agri-foods, beauty, and wellness products. We are not merely facilitating transactions; we are opening doors for livelihoods and economic transformation across our continent,” she said.
The Honourable Minister emphasized that the programme strengthens partnerships between Nigerian entrepreneurs and UK importers, creating the foundation for supplier agreements, long-term collaborations, and scalable exports. She highlighted the recent milestone in bilateral relations, noting that in October the UK granted tariff relief on nearly 3,000 products under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), a move she said will significantly reduce market-entry costs for Nigerian exporters, especially women-led businesses.
Also speaking, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), commended the initiative as a platform for Nigerian women-led enterprises to access global markets, build capacity, and scale sustainably. She described the mission as more than a diplomatic engagement – “it is a celebration of shared values, mutual economic aspirations, and a commitment to inclusive trade.”
She noted that SheTrades Nigeria Hub, implemented in partnership with the International Trade Centre and supported by the UK government, provides women entrepreneurs with training in export procedures, market strategy, packaging, branding, and digital commerce. She also highlighted NEPC’s role in the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, through which 146 women-led businesses have been selected to adopt digital technologies and expand their online presence.
In combining market access, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, the Trade Mission aims to elevate Nigerian brands, expand non-oil exports, and create sustainable economic opportunities for women-led MSMEs in global markets.
