ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal Government has issued a directive mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to eliminate regulatory and bureaucratic barriers that hinder Nigerian exports, setting a November 2026 deadline for the implementation of comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
The directive, announced on Wednesday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is part of a broader strategy to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area and to diversify Nigeria’s export base beyond crude oil. The government has identified multiple bottlenecks, including cumbersome port procedures, multiple inspections, arbitrary charges, and the lack of a single window for trade documentation, as significant impediments to the growth of non-oil exports.
The move comes as the government intensifies its efforts to improve the ease of doing business and boost foreign exchange earnings from non-oil sectors. According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the country’s non-oil exports have shown steady growth in recent years, but remain far below their potential due to persistent infrastructural and regulatory challenges. In 2025, non-oil exports accounted for approximately 20 per cent of total exports, a figure that the government believes can be significantly improved with the removal of bureaucratic obstacles.
The Federal Government has directed MDAs to review their procedures and eliminate any requirements that add unnecessary delays or costs to the export process. Agencies are expected to submit action plans detailing how they intend to achieve the directive, with a focus on simplifying documentation, digitising processes, and enhancing inter-agency coordination. The government has also emphasised the need for MDAs to adopt a single-window system for trade documentation, which would allow exporters to submit all required documents through a single portal, reducing the time and cost associated with multiple agencies.
The directive aligns with the government’s broader economic reform agenda, which includes the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and the implementation of policies aimed at attracting foreign investment. The government has made it clear that improving the business environment is a priority and that MDAs must play their part in ensuring that Nigeria becomes a competitive destination for trade and investment.
The deadline also aligns with the government’s Ember to Remember 2026 initiative, a 100-day tourism and economic drive running from September to December. The Federal Government plans to leverage the momentum of the initiative to showcase the country’s economic potential and attract investment into the non-oil sector. The initiative is expected to highlight Nigeria’s diverse export offerings, including agricultural products, solid minerals, and manufactured goods.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the directive, describing it as a positive step toward addressing long-standing challenges that have constrained the growth of Nigeria’s non-oil exports. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has expressed support for the government’s efforts, while also calling for the implementation of policies that would address infrastructural deficits, including poor road networks and inadequate power supply, which continue to increase the cost of production.
However, stakeholders have also expressed concerns about the government’s capacity to enforce compliance and sustain the reforms beyond the November deadline. The success of the initiative will depend on the political will to implement the reforms and the commitment of MDAs to adopt a more business-friendly approach. The government has assured stakeholders that it will monitor compliance closely and take appropriate action against agencies that fail to meet the deadline.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has also emphasised the importance of capacity building for exporters, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises, which account for a significant portion of non-oil exports. The Council has announced plans to provide training and technical support to SMEs to help them meet international standards and access new markets.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of the global economy, the directive to MDAs represents a significant step toward unlocking the country’s export potential. The November deadline will serve as a test of the government’s commitment to reform and the willingness of MDAs to embrace a more efficient and business-friendly approach to regulation. For Nigerian exporters, the hope is that the directive will translate into tangible improvements in the ease of doing business and the competitiveness of their products in the global market. The coming months will reveal whether the government can turn its ambition into reality.
