The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting non-oil exports by tackling high freight costs, which continue to challenge Nigerian exporters.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nura Abba Rimi, emphasised the urgency of reducing logistics expenses to enhance export competitiveness.
Since he could not attend in person, he designated Director of the Commodities and Export Department, Hajiya Hajara Usman to deliver his message.
Furthermore, he stressed the government’s priority of diversifying the economy beyond crude oil for long-term sustainability.
Difficulty In Competing
At present, fuel price volatility, inadequate infrastructure, and supply chain inefficiencies continue to drive up freight costs.
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Consequently, exporters—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—face increasing difficulties in competing globally.
Although the government has introduced initiatives such as the Export Development Fund and the revitalisation of the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), soaring logistics expenses still shrink profit margins and limit market access.
Stakeholders Explore Solutions
To confront these challenges, the forum, themed “Charting a Course for Competitive Freight Rates: Policy, Infrastructure, and Private Sector-Led Solutions,” gathered policymakers, logistics firms, exporters, and industry experts to develop cost-reduction strategies.
During the discussions, Rimi urged stakeholders to invest in critical infrastructure, strengthen public-private partnerships, and implement digital innovations to enhance supply chain management.
Moreover, he called on policymakers to introduce proactive measures that lower freight costs, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve trade balance.
At the same time, stakeholders urged the government and private sector to simplify export procedures, increase port efficiency, and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles.
With these strategies in motion, Nigeria is actively building a more competitive and profitable non-oil export sector.