TRADE NIGERIA

 

Trade Nigeria 2026: A New Dawn for Nigerian Products on the Global Stage

Introduction

In a bold move to transform Nigeria's economic landscape, the Made in Nigeria Project Office (MaInPro) is powering an ambitious trade initiative that promises to connect Nigerian businesses with the world. Trade Nigeria 2026 represents more than just an event—it is the practical vehicle through which the government's "Nigeria First Policy" comes to life, delivering Nigerian-made goods to international markets and creating lasting economic opportunities at home .

   Understanding the Made in Nigeria Project Office

Before diving into Trade Nigeria, it is essential to understand the institution behind it. The National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office operates under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in Abuja, with its headquarters at The Shagari House in the Three Arm Zone .

The project's roots trace back to 2006, when conversations about promoting Nigerian-made products began at global forums like the Nigeria-Singapore Economic Forum. However, it was not until 2023 that the office was officially established, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's journey toward industrial self-reliance .

Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Defence, is widely recognized as the architect behind the institutionalization of the Made in Nigeria Project Office. His nearly three decades of public service experience have been instrumental in shaping the initiative's strategic direction .

Trade Nigeria: The Vehicle for Global Market Access

If the Made in Nigeria Project Office is the engine driving local production, Trade Nigeria is the vehicle delivering Nigerian goods to the world . This distinction is crucial for understanding how the initiative works in practice.

Trade Nigeria serves as the trade promotion and market access platform, providing Nigerian businesses with:

• Direct connections to international buyers and investors

• Participation in global trade missions and exhibitions

• Access to permanent exhibition spaces in strategic international locations

• Business-to-business matchmaking opportunities

Key Initiatives Under Trade Nigeria

1. Her Trade Support Program

A flagship initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs across Africa, focusing on sectors where women have traditionally been strong but underserved:

• Leather and handicrafts

• Textiles and fashion

• Horticulture and agriculture

• Coffee production and processing

• Petty trade and retail

Through trade missions, business development support, and international market access, this program helps women unlock their economic potential .

2. Nigeria Economic Forum Series

These high-level events connect Nigerian businesses with counterparts in strategic markets. Notable upcoming forums include:

• Brazil Edition (November 2025): The Nigeria–Brazil Economic Forum & Made in Nigeria Expo

• Hong Kong Edition (November 2025): Featuring the unveiling of the Made in Nigeria Warehouse and National Product Galleria 

3. Industrialize Nigeria Campaign

Launched with the bold target of attracting over ₦50 billion into the national economy, this campaign represents the most comprehensive export drive to date. The campaign focuses on:

• High-profile exhibitions in strategic international locations

• Business-to-business matchmaking sessions

• Investment negotiations with global partners

• Long-term contract facilitation for Nigerian exporters 

Global Expansion: Taking Nigerian Products to the World

Perhaps the most exciting development in the Made in Nigeria Project's journey is the establishment of permanent Nigerian trade hubs overseas. The unveiling of the Made in Nigeria Warehouse and National Product Galleria in Hong Kong and Brazil marks a major milestone in Nigeria's industrial transformation .

These strategically located centers will serve as:

• Year-round exhibition spaces for Nigerian-made goods

• Direct engagement platforms for international buyers and investors

• Negotiation venues for long-term trade and export agreements

Recent Developments and State-Level Engagement

The Made in Nigeria Project Office is not solely focused on international markets—it is actively working to strengthen local production capacity at the grassroots level. In a recent development, the federal government, through the project office, announced efforts to identify and support young entrepreneurs in Taraba State .

During a visit to the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, the state coordinator, Hon. Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu, emphasized that the initiative aims to expand non-oil economic opportunities for young Nigerian entrepreneurs. The project is focused on:

• Identifying and supporting young entrepreneurs in manufacturing and agro-processing

• Facilitating training and capacity-building programmes

• Connecting youth-led businesses to markets and investment opportunities

• Promoting innovation, creativity, and local content development 

This state-level engagement demonstrates the project's commitment to creating a production-driven economy that benefits all regions of Nigeria.

Stakeholder Engagement: A Collaborative Approach

The success of Trade Nigeria and the broader Made in Nigeria initiative depends on collaboration across all levels of government and the private sector. Recent stakeholder meetings have brought together:

• Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to streamline procurement processes favoring local products

• Private sector representatives to encourage investment in local manufacturing

• State governments to align industrial policies with national objectives

• Local government officials to support grassroots entrepreneurs and SMEs 

The Vision: Nigeria First Policy

At the heart of all these efforts is the "Nigeria First Policy" —a clear and compelling vision to transform Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy into a production-driven, industrialized nation. This vision manifests through practical work focused on:

• Increasing local production across priority sectors

• Promoting export diversification beyond crude oil

• Creating jobs through SME empowerment

• Building national pride in Nigerian-made products 

Looking Ahead

As Trade Nigeria 2026 approaches, excitement continues to build. The event represents a unique opportunity for Nigerian businesses to connect with global markets, secure international partnerships, and showcase the quality and innovation of Nigerian-made products.

The Made in Nigeria Project Office has set an ambitious goal: to make "Made in Nigeria" a trusted global brand associated with quality, innovation, and excellence. With initiatives like Trade Nigeria, the Industrialize Nigeria campaign, and permanent international trade hubs, that vision is rapidly becoming a reality .

Conclusion

Trade Nigeria 2026 is more than an event—it is a movement. It represents Nigeria's determination to take its place among the world's leading manufacturing nations, creating jobs, building wealth, and establishing a proud legacy of local production for global consumption.

Whether you are a manufacturer looking to expand your market, an entrepreneur seeking new opportunities, or simply a Nigerian who believes in the potential of homegrown products, Trade Nigeria 2026 offers something for everyone. The Made in Nigeria Project Office invites all stakeholders to join this national movement and be part of Nigeria's industrial renaissance.

How to Connect

Businesses and entrepreneurs interested in participating can reach the Made in Nigeria Project Office at:

Location: The Shagari House, Three Arm Zone, Abuja, FCT
Email: madeinnigeriaapplication@gmail.com, info@madeinnigeriang.org
Website: madeinnigeriang.org