The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for a stronger focus on innovation-driven strategies to accelerate growth in Nigeria’s export sector, emphasizing the need to enhance competitiveness and diversify the country’s revenue base.
The chamber made the call during a stakeholders’ forum, where industry leaders, policymakers, and exporters discussed ways to reposition Nigeria’s export landscape for sustainable development.
According to ACCI, innovation remains a key driver of growth in global trade, and Nigeria must adopt modern technologies, improved production systems, and value-added processes to compete effectively in international markets.
Stakeholders highlighted the importance of moving beyond the export of raw materials to focus on processed and high-value products, which command better prices and create more employment opportunities across the value chain.
The chamber also emphasized the need to strengthen research and development (R&D), noting that continuous innovation is essential for improving product quality, meeting international standards, and responding to changing market demands.
In addition, ACCI called for increased investment in digital trade platforms and e-commerce, which can help Nigerian exporters access global markets more efficiently and expand their customer base.
Participants stressed the importance of improving infrastructure, logistics, and regulatory frameworks, as these are critical factors influencing the ease of doing business and export performance.
The chamber further urged the government to provide policy support, incentives, and financing options to encourage innovation and attract investment into export-oriented industries.
Experts noted that innovation-led growth can significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings, reduce dependence on oil revenue, and strengthen economic resilience.
However, stakeholders identified challenges such as limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutional support, which must be addressed to unlock the full potential of the export sector.
ACCI reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and private sector partners to promote innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s exports.
With a stronger emphasis on innovation, Nigeria is poised to build a more diversified and globally competitive export sector, capable of driving long-term economic growth and development.
