Women Leading Nigeria’s Non-oil Export Growth Surge — NEPC

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has urged women entrepreneurs to tap into global markets, saying their active participation is crucial to accelerating Nigeria’s non-oil export growth.
Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of the NEPC, made the remark at the Women-led Export Business in Nigeria, “Her Showcase 2.0 Series,” in commemoration of International Women Day, 2026, on Tuesday in Abuja.

NEPC, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), also inaugurated its Nigeria and Britain Export Procedures Handbooks.

Her showcase 2.0 is an NEPC programme under the SheTrades initiative, aimed at enhancing market access for Nigerian Women-owned businesses.

Ayeni said that the programme celebrated the contribution of women entrepreneurs in the non-oil export sector, adding that the theme of the IWD 2026 was tagged: ” Give to Gain”.

She described women as strong drivers of economic growth whose products continued to gain recognition in international markets.

She said that the export handbooks for the Great Britain market which was inaugurated was a practical guide for Nigerian exporters.

‘’The programme celebrated the contributions of women entrepreneurs in the non-oil export sector.

‘’The event also featured the launch of export handbooks for the Great Britain agri-food and cosmetics markets.

“The guides provide information on export preparation, customs procedures, product requirements and sustainability standards. Access to accurate market information will help Nigerian businesses compete effectively in global trade,’’ she said.

Ayeni noted that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) dominated Nigeria’s business landscape with many owned by women.

She added that initiatives such as SheTrades and export certification programmes were helping thousands of women-led businesses become export-ready.

The NEPC boss reiterated the council’s commitment to supporting women exporters and expanding Nigeria’s non-oil trade globally.

She commended the ITC for its dedication to women empowerment through several trade initiatives, while praising women entrepreneurs for their resilience in many successfully balanced business, family responsibilities and other commitments.

Ms Maathangi Hariharan, Trade and Investment Advisor of the ITC, said Nigeria possessed enormous entrepreneurial talent, commending Nigerian women entrepreneurs for their creativity and potential.
Hariharan pledged continued support to strengthen women participation in international trade, adding that the ITC was impressed by the quality of products displayed by the Nigerian businesses during the programme.

She noted that ITC worked with the NEPC to create an enabling environment for small businesses, adding that the collaboration would support women-led enterprises seeking opportunities in global markets.

‘’The programme helps participants understand export procedures and market requirements,’’

she said.

Hariharan thanked the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for funding the initiative.
She also commended NEPC officials and participants for their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s export ecosystem.

Dr Sameera Abdullahi, National Coordinator of Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said the event celebrated women’s resilience and innovation.

Abdullahi said that women entrepreneurs were critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and global trade expansion, adding that women-led businesses were creating jobs and expanding Nigeria’s presence in global markets.

She commended the leadership of the NEPC for promoting inclusive export opportunities, while urging women entrepreneurs to leverage the initiative to improve product quality and compete globally.