By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, has urged policymakers, business leaders, and investors to support women-led businesses even as she advocates for capacity-building and creation of opportunities for women to scale and compete.
She emphasized that President Bola Tinubu administration is committed to private sector growth, citing the President’s bold steps to address structural inefficiencies in the economy.
She made the disclosure when the Ministry hosted a Trade Mission: Her Showcase Trading Beyond Borders event at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) headquarters even as she delivered a keynote address emphasizing the vital role of women in exports and the government’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses.
Oduwole, commended the organizers of the summit for creating a platform that champions crucial conversations and celebrates women’s roles in trade. She highlighted the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s support for 3,600 female exporters and the International Trade Centre’s commitment to providing access to resources and networks through 18 SheTrades hubs.
The Minister noted that the trade landscape is evolving, and Africa is at the forefront of a significant transformation.
She emphasized the importance of recognizing women as key agents of change in the sector, acting as consumers, producers, distributors, and decision-makers across the value chain.
The Minister outlined her ministry’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory through key interventions, including investment promotion, capacity-building programs, certification and standards, and market access and trade facilitation. She encouraged women-led businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and participate in capacity-building workshops.
The Minister called on the private sector to commit to partnering with African governments, development agencies, and local communities to co-develop solutions that address systemic challenges. She emphasized the need for tangible investments and translating promises into action.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to supporting women exporters. She acknowledged the Minister’s unwavering commitment to private sector growth and trade expansion.
Ayeni, highlighted NEPC’s efforts in training over 8,000 women entrepreneurs, facilitating market access through trade fairs and business networking, and supporting certification processes to enhance global competitiveness.
She also announced NEPC’s selection as one of four Business Support Organizations worldwide to implement the first phase of the WTO/ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund—an achievement that underscores Nigeria’s leadership in promoting women’s participation in digital trade.
As the event unfolds, women entrepreneurs will engage in networking opportunities, interactive sessions, and product exhibitions designed to enhance their export readiness and market reach. The NEPC remains committed to fostering an enabling environment where women-led businesses can thrive beyond borders, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
