By Anita Dennis
In a bid to accelerate Nigeria’s drive for foreign exchange earnings outside oil, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export–Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, will tomorrow, September 2, engage with young entrepreneurs and business owners in a special breakfast session designed to spotlight opportunities in agriculture and non-oil exports.
The meeting, which kicks off at 9 a.m. at the APC Youth House, is organised by the APC Youth Wing under the leadership of Hon. Dayo Israel. It is expected to serve as a direct interface between the nation’s export financing institution and emerging business leaders, offering pathways to access funding, technical support, and global markets.
Youth at the Heart of Export Drive
Speaking ahead of the event, Hon. Israel underscored the urgency of equipping young Nigerians with the tools to become export-ready.
“To create more local jobs and attract foreign exchange, we must increase non-oil exports,” he said. “Young entrepreneurs need practical information on accessing funding and support to compete globally, especially within Africa under AfCFTA. Engaging the MD of Nexim Bank provides them with firsthand insights from a key player in Nigeria’s export economy.”
The session forms part of a broader initiative at the Youth House, which has recently become a hub for mentorship, training, and policy engagement for young Nigerians determined to shape the nation’s economic future.
Non-Oil Exports: Lifeline for Forex Stability
For Nigeria, diversifying away from crude oil has become an economic necessity. Non-oil exports such as cocoa, sesame, hibiscus, shea butter, leather, cashew, and processed foods already hold vast potential to boost foreign exchange inflows, create jobs, and expand the country’s global trade footprint.
Industry experts note that with AfCFTA creating a single African market of over 1.4 billion people, Nigerian MSMEs stand at the threshold of unprecedented opportunities—if they can overcome barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate export infrastructure, and gaps in compliance with international trade standards.
Platform for Scaling Businesses Globally
By sitting down with Mr. Bello, who has overseen NEXIM Bank’s role in financing and promoting Nigeria’s non-oil export trade, participants are expected to gain clarity on how to:
- Navigate export financing windows and credit facilities.
- Leverage technical assistance and trade advisory support.
- Position themselves for competitiveness in regional and global markets.
- Scale their businesses sustainably while creating jobs at home.
Youth, Innovation, and the Future
Organisers say the session will go beyond theory. It will give young business owners the chance to present their challenges, ask tough questions, and walk away with actionable knowledge to expand their businesses beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“This is about empowerment through access,” Hon. Israel said. “By connecting youth entrepreneurs directly with institutions like Nexim Bank, we are shortening the distance between potential and achievement.”
Towards Inclusive Growth
With youth unemployment still high, initiatives like this are seen as critical to aligning Nigeria’s youthful energy with national economic priorities. For many MSMEs, the session could be the springboard to new partnerships, new markets, and new opportunities in the global export space.
As Nigeria seeks to expand its non-oil revenue base, the engagement signals an important message: the future of the economy may well rest in the hands of its enterprising youth, guided by institutions ready to back them for global success.
