The Federal Government has launched new trade intelligence tools to help Nigerian businesses access international markets, attract investment and strengthen the country’s drive towards a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, unveiled the initiative in Abuja on Thursday, saying the tools would provide businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with market information to identify export opportunities, understand tariffs and international standards, and connect with potential buyers.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Oduwole said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure that economic reforms translate into increased production, stronger exports, industrial expansion and job creation.
“The next phase of our economic transformation must focus on expanding domestic productive capacity and ensuring that government policies deliver measurable benefits for businesses and citizens,” she said.
The minister stressed that investments must lead to actual projects, industrial growth and decent jobs, rather than remain commitments on paper.
She identified high production costs, limited access to finance, logistics challenges and complex trade procedures as major barriers affecting the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses in domestic and international markets.
The new tools are designed to give businesses access to information that can support commercial decisions, improve export planning and help Nigerian products compete more effectively abroad.
FG targets export growth and industrial expansion
Oduwole also highlighted ongoing reforms involving the Export Expansion Grant Scheme, Free Trade Zones and Nigeria’s trade negotiation framework, describing them as part of the government’s broader effort to improve the country’s trade and investment environment.
The initiative builds on the ministry’s inaugural trade intelligence publication launched in November 2025.
Its latest outputs include the 2026 Trade Intelligence Report, which reviews trade and investment developments in 2025, and a report assessing performance in the first half of 2026.
According to the ministry, the reports examine export and import trends, investment inflows, global and regional economic developments, trade agreements and the outcomes of government policies and programmes.
The ministry said the information would support evidence-based policymaking while helping businesses and public institutions better understand developments affecting Nigeria’s trade performance.
In his opening remarks, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described credible trade intelligence as essential to effective policymaking, trade facilitation and business growth.
He urged the ministry’s departments and agencies to adopt and sustain the use of the tools to improve coordination, accountability and service delivery.
CANEX WKND to connect Nigerian businesses with global markets
The launch also featured a presentation on the Road to CANEX, an overview and live demonstration of the Trade Intelligence Portal, and an interactive session.
Oduwole identified CANEX WKND 2026, scheduled for November 5 to 8 at the National Theatre in Lagos, as another platform for connecting Nigeria’s creative industries with investors, buyers and international markets.
The event is expected to attract approximately 10,000 participants and create opportunities for partnerships, investment and the promotion of African creative products.
The trade intelligence initiative comes as Nigeria pursues its ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030, with increased production, export diversification and private-sector investment expected to play important roles.
However, the impact of the new tools will depend on how effectively businesses can access and use the information, alongside improvements in financing, infrastructure, logistics and the regulatory environment.
The ministry said the initiative reinforced its commitment to data-driven policymaking, strategic partnerships and reforms aimed at expanding market access, strengthening domestic production and attracting investments capable of generating jobs and sustainable economic growth.
