A UK-funded trade mission designed to widen international market access for women-led businesses has begun in Abuja, bringing together Nigerian exporters, UK importers and global trade partners for a three-day programme.
The initiative is being led by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) with support from the United Kingdom and the International Trade Centre (ITC). It aims to help female entrepreneurs promote their goods, strengthen commercial links and secure entry into high-value export markets.
Speaking during the opening session, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the Federal Government remains committed to supporting women-owned enterprises as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She said, “Women remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and strengthening their access to global markets is critical to achieving non-oil export diversification.”
Oduwole outlined the progress recorded through targeted export-focused programmes, noting that 146 women-led companies have already benefited from the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, which helps entrepreneurs adopt digital tools and improve their online business capacity. “These women are now better equipped, better informed, and better positioned to enter high-value export markets,” she said. “Our vision is clear: to diversify our economy, empower SMEs, and elevate Nigeria as a global leader in non-oil exports.”
She also pointed to a recent development in UK–Nigeria trade relations. In October, the United Kingdom introduced tariff relief on nearly 3,000 product lines for Nigeria under its Developing Countries Trading Scheme. Oduwole described the change as a “major opportunity for Nigerian exporters, especially women-led MSMEs, to scale production, reduce market-entry costs, and enter one of the world’s most competitive markets.”
Highlighting the practical value of the trade mission, she said participants will gain three key advantages: improved real-time market access, stronger collaboration between exporters and UK buyers, and greater international visibility for Nigerian brands. “When Nigerian brands are seen, they are valued. And when valued, they attract investment,” she added, encouraging women entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the platform.
In her remarks, NEPC Executive Director/CEO, Nonye Ayeni, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to expanding the country’s footprint in global non-oil markets. She described the trade mission as “a celebration of shared values, mutual economic aspirations, and a commitment to inclusive and sustainable trade.”
Ayeni drew attention to the SheTrades Nigeria Hub, operated by NEPC in partnership with ITC and funded by the UK government, which has been instrumental in strengthening the capabilities of women entrepreneurs. Through the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, women-led firms have accessed new markets, upgraded product quality and improved readiness for export activities.
She also noted NEPC’s capacity-building programmes, which cover digital commerce, packaging, branding and export compliance. Through the “Go Global, Go Certification” initiative, more than 400 MSMEs have secured international certifications including HACCP, FDA, HALAL and ISO 22000, with women accounting for 80% of the beneficiaries. “These certifications open doors to global markets and ensure our products meet international standards,” Ayeni said.
Ayeni also invited UK investors and importers to explore Nigerian products, underscoring the scale of untapped potential within the non-oil export sector.
The trade mission continues until Thursday, featuring exhibitions, business-to-business meetings and sector-focused workshops for exporters across agribusiness, beauty and wellness, and processed foods.
