THE ROLE OF THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE IN TRADE SUPPORTS:

The Federal Ministry of Finance amongst several functions is in control of the administration of fiscal incentives in accordance with the provisions of extant statutes and International Agreements or Protocols. One of these incentives include the exemption of export products from the payment of value added tax. The Ministry also publishes export guidelines for non-oil exports which are revised from time to time.

The Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, seeks to ensure the diversification of the resource base of the economy by promoting trade and investment with special emphasis on export of non-oil and gas products that will lead to wealth and employment creation, reduction in the rate of poverty and also ensure enhanced service delivery in a manner that will stimulate the growth of the domestic economy for self-reliance, whilst making it more export oriented and integrated into the global market.

With the drop in crude oil prices, it has become pertinent for the economy of the Nation which was solely dependent on oil exports to be fully diversified to include non-oil exports and the Government has renewed its commitment in ensuring this strategy is achievable.