MANEG Unveils Export Roadmap to Position Nigerian Manufacturers for Global Competition
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), the export-focused arm of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s export competitiveness, accelerating manufacturing growth and positioning locally produced goods for greater access to African and global markets.
The 2026/2027 strategic priorities focus on four pillars: Strengthening strategic engagements, enhanced awareness and utilisation of export incentives, access to export finance, and export capacity development.
Speaking on these initiatives, the recently appointed Chairman of MANEG, Mrs. Ruth Owojaiye, who also serves as Director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN)said Nigeria possesses the resources, industrial capacity and entrepreneurial strength required to emerge as a leading manufacturing hub in Africa, but achieving this ambition requires a deliberate and continuous shift towards export readiness and competitiveness.
“Nigeria’s manufacturing future must be defined by competitiveness, innovation and global relevance. To achieve this, Nigerian manufacturers must have access to the right policies, incentives, financing, knowledge and partnerships needed to compete successfully beyond our borders,” she said.
MANEG will continue to deepen collaboration with key government institutions, financial organisations, and regional trade bodies to strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem. The group will engage with critical government, international and supranational stakeholders, and other relevant partners.
The group also identified improved awareness and utilisation of all export-related incentives as a key priority, noting that many local manufacturers, especially the small and medium sized businesses, are yet to fully leverage available government-backed incentives due to limited awareness of eligibility requirements and application processes. Through targeted industry engagements, knowledge-sharing sessions, and practical guidance, MANEG aims to help businesses better understand and maximise available export opportunities.
“An incentive can only create economic value when businesses understand how to access and deploy it effectively. Our objective is to bridge the gap between policy availability and practical business utilisation,” Mrs. Owojaiye added.
Access to finance was also highlighted as a critical factor limiting export growth, stressing the need for stronger connections between manufacturers and export finance providers. Export expansion requires significant investment in technology upgrades, production capacity, international certifications, packaging improvements, logistics and market development.
Mrs. Owojaiye noted that access to finance remains critical to export growth, as manufacturers require investment in technology upgrades, production capacity, international certifications, packaging improvements, logistics, and market development to compete effectively in global markets.
Beyond financing and incentives, MANEG will prioritise capacity development programmes aimed at equipping manufacturers with the knowledge and skills required to meet international standards, navigate export requirements, improve quality systems, and respond to evolving global trade expectations.
“The manufacturers that will succeed globally are those that understand market expectations, embrace innovation and continuously improve their processes. Export readiness is a journey of constant learning and transformation,” Mrs. Owojaiye said.
MANEG noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a significant opportunity for Nigerian manufacturers to expand into a continental market of more than one billion people. However, she stressed that businesses must improve competitiveness, meet international quality standards, and develop products capable of succeeding in increasingly competitive markets.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and increase non-oil exports, the Chairman reaffirmed MANEG’s commitment to supporting its members in positioning Made-In-Nigeria products on the map and its commitment to working collaboratively with government, development partners and the private sector to build a more competitive and export-oriented manufacturing industry. The Group expressed confidence that, through sustained partnerships and targeted reforms, Nigerian manufacturers can significantly expand their footprint across Africa and global markets.
