Special Advisor to the President on Exports, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, has urged Nigerian women entrepreneurs to expand their participation in non-oil export activities to drive economic diversification and inclusive growth.
Sheriff gave the charge Tuesday at the Women Exporters Conference organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Abuja.
Speaking before women-led businesses, trade officials, and industry captains, Sheriff said women are central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on economic diversification, job creation, and wealth generation.
“Nigeria cannot win in global trade without women,” he said. “You are already driving 40% of SMEs. Now we need you to scale from local markets to international shelves.”
He noted that Nigeria’s non-oil exports hit a record $6.1 billion in 2025, but the country’s share of global merchandise exports remains at just 0.26%. “That gap is the opportunity. Women must close it.”
Sheriff charged women exporters to take advantage of digital trade platforms, international certifications, and market access programmes being rolled out by NEPC, WTO, and ITC.
He cited the $50 million WEIDE Fund for women in digital trade, under which 146 Nigerian women were selected for grants of $5,000 to $30,000, training, and mentorship.
“Digital trade has removed many barriers. With the right standards, packaging, and compliance, a woman in Kano or Aba can sell to buyers in London or Dubai from her phone,” he said.
The Presidential aide assured that the Federal Government is prioritising export infrastructure, trade facilitation, and access to finance to support women.
He urged financial institutions and development partners present to design tailored products for women-led export businesses, especially in agriculture, processing, textiles, and services.
“Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start, certify, connect, and export. The government is with you,” Sheriff told participants.
The Women Exporters Conference, themed _“Strengthening Women-led Businesses for Resilience, Recovery and Inclusive Economic Growth,”_ was hosted by NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni.
Other dignitaries included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Minister of Women Affairs, former Minister Dame Pauline Tallen, and WTO DG’s Special Assistant Nichole Mensa.
