The Lagos State Government has charged its Export Promotion Committee to accelerate efforts toward positioning Lagos as the leading hub for non-oil exports in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking at a strategic committee meeting held at the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, MCCTI, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olugbemiga Aina, emphasized the urgent need for bold, measurable actions to diversify the state’s economy and expand its export portfolio.
“Lagos achieved a significant milestone in December 2024 with the commencement of coconut exports to Dubai. This proves that with value addition and adherence to standards, our products can compete globally,” Dr. Aina said.
He identified sectors such as coconut processing, fisheries, vegetable farming, and other Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) activities as critical areas where Lagos holds comparative advantage. The meeting, he noted, serves as a platform to evaluate progress and push forward an aggressive, coordinated export agenda.
Dr. Aina reaffirmed the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to supporting MSMEs through key initiatives, including: provision of industrial workplaces at subsidised rates, increased capacity building and innovation support, expanded access to finance via the ₦10 billion LASMECO (Lagos State Access to Finance through Cooperatives) programme and market linkage facilitation between MSMEs and international off-takers.
“If we increase exports, we diversify the economy, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen our resilience against external shocks,” he stated.
He also underscored that these efforts are in line with the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive economic growth and public-private collaboration.
“Together, we have the capacity to make Lagos Africa’s foremost hub for non-oil exports. The responsibility is ours, and the time is now. Exports are not just about goods; they are about Lagos telling its story to the world.”
Also speaking at the meeting, a representative of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, noted that the Council is set to organise joint training programmes aimed at increasing both the range and volume of Nigeria’s exportable goods.
She noted that Lagos is well-positioned to lead the charge, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, which presents vast export opportunities for states that are proactive in readiness and compliance.