₦airaland Forum

5. A War on Counterfeiting – Not Just on Imports
Nothing kills a local brand faster than a fake version selling for half the price. Yet Nigeria’s anti-counterfeit enforcement is weak.

MINPO should partner with NAFDAC, SON, and the police to create a rapid-response Brand Protection Unit. Any brand with a MINPO certification can report fakes, and the Unit must act within 48 hours – including shutting down notorious markets where counterfeit “local” products are openly sold.

When authentic brands see that the government will fight fakes for them, they will proudly display the MINPO mark.

The Bottom Line
The Made in Nigeria Project Office cannot manufacture a single product. But it can manufacture confidence. That starts with ruthless quality standards, honest public procurement, technology support, export coaching, and anti-fake enforcement.

Nigerians are tired of slogans. We are ready to buy Nigerian – but only when “Made in Nigeria” becomes a promise kept, not a prayer whispered.

If MINPO delivers that, the next decade won’t be about begging citizens to buy local. It will be about the world queuing to buy Nigerian.

2. Move from “Made in Nigeria” to “Engineered in Nigeria”

Most local brands struggle with raw material costs and outdated machinery. The Project Office should pivot from branding alone to technology upgrading clusters.

Example: A footwear cluster in Aba gets access to a MINPO-backed leasing scheme for modern stitching and soling machines, plus a shared design lab. Suddenly, “Aba made” no longer means “substandard” – it means durable, modern, and competitive with Chinese imports.

National brand development is supply chain development, not a marketing department.

3. Domestic Procurement as a Weapon
The Federal Government buys everything from office chairs to uniforms to vehicle tyres. Yet a shocking percentage is still imported – often justified as “no local capacity.”

MINPO should publish a public dashboard of all government tenders above ₦10 million, clearly marking which were awarded to certified local brands and why. Then track the penalties for agencies that bypass local producers without a waiver. Transparency kills excuses.

This single action – enforced public procurement preference – will do more for Nigerian brands than ten years of trade fairs.

1. Stop Blaming Consumers – Start Fixing Trust
The old narrative: “Nigerians don’t support local brands.”
The truth: Nigerians will pay a premium for what works. Dangote cement, Innoson vehicles, Zaron cosmetics, and Chivita juices thrive because they deliver consistent quality.

MINPO’s job is not to guilt-trip citizens. It’s to certify, audit, and guarantee. Imagine a “MINPO Gold” mark that is not just a sticker but a legally backed warranty of minimum quality, safety, and durability. If a product fails, the consumer gets redress – and the brand risks losing its license to use the mark.

The work of the Project Office is reinforced by a robust policy environment championed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The "Nigeria First Policy" stands as a federal government directive to prioritize Nigerian-made goods and services in public procurement and value chains. This policy is not about protectionism but about building institutional confidence in local capacity. The government has outlined a six-point plan to enforce the Nigeria First policy, which includes establishing a quarterly compliance dashboard for procurement, providing long-term financing for manufacturers, and driving quality assurance at the point of sale.
Complementing this is the newly unveiled Industrial Policy, which aims to revive dormant factories and strengthen domestic manufacturing. Key provisions of this policy include enforcing the Nigeria First policy, reducing reliance on imported raw materials, and promoting value addition across critical sectors. The government has also proposed recapitalizing the Bank of Industry to a staggering ₦3 trillion to provide accessible, long-term financing for MSMEs, lowering the cost of production and enhancing competitiveness in the global market.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the bold vision and strategic moves, the path to full industrialization is fraught with challenges. Industry stakeholders have persistently highlighted issues such as energy insecurity, high financing costs, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and skills gaps as significant hurdles. Moreover, winning the battle for the hearts and minds of consumers who have long-standing preferences for foreign goods requires a sustained cultural shift. The government has acknowledged these challenges and is actively integrating solutions into its implementation matrix.
The future, however, looks promising. As the Legislative Bill to establish the Project Office as a full-fledged federal agency moves to the National Assembly, the initiative is poised to gain statutory funding, enhanced coordination powers, and long-term stability. This institutional upgrade will ensure that the drive for national brands development transcends political cycles and becomes a permanent pillar of Nigeria’s economic strategy.
Conclusion
The National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office is more than a government initiative; it is a rallying cry for economic renaissance. By fostering local talent, creating global access for Nigerian products, and aligning with strong governmental policies, Nigeria is finally charting a course away from dependency toward self-sufficiency. "Made in Nigeria" is no longer just a label—it is a movement, a testament to the nation's resilience and a promise of shared prosperity for its citizens.

As the National Coordinator, Hon. Nwabueze Buchi George, has stated, the mission is clear: to turn Nigeria's large population from a market for foreign goods into a formidable workforce of producers and innovators. This transition is rooted in the belief that national sovereignty is no longer just about political independence, but about economic resilience, supply chain control, and industrial strength.
The Rise of National Brands Development
Central to this transformation is the strategic development of Nigerian national brands. The project office recognizes that for "Made in Nigeria" to command respect and premium value, there must be a concerted effort to support quality, consistency, and innovation. The project targets key sectors such as agriculture, textiles, solid minerals, technology, and the creative economy to build robust value chains. One of the flagship initiatives under this mandate is MAINPro (Made in Nigeria Promotion Program) , designed to align local production with demand, encouraging government institutions and citizens to prioritize domestically manufactured goods.
This focus on national branding goes hand-in-hand with efforts to identify and revive moribund factories. In Kogi State, the Project Office's leadership emphasized that their core mandate includes "Identification of Moribund Factories, Industries in the Nation and reviving Programmes for Investment through BOOT/FDI/ Method". By breathing life into idle industrial assets and supporting young entrepreneurs in manufacturing and agro-processing, the office aims to create a resilient, diversified economy where innovation thrives and job opportunities are generated for millions of youths across the country.

From a Consumption Nation to a Production Powerhouse
For decades, Nigeria’s economic identity was defined by what it imported. Foreign goods dominated supermarket shelves, from everyday household items to industrial machinery, draining the nation’s foreign reserves and stifling local enterprise. However, a strategic shift is underway, fueled by the National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office. Established under the Presidency, within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), this initiative is not merely a campaign slogan but a comprehensive strategy to transform Nigeria into a competitive production and manufacturing hub. This project aims to rebuild national pride by prioritizing homegrown goods, supporting local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and reducing the country’s heavy dependence on foreign imports.

What is Trade Nigeria?
Trade Nigeria is a flagship export and brand promotion programme designed to:

Promote high‑quality Nigerian goods to international buyers

Facilitate B2B linkages between Nigerian manufacturers and global distributors

Enhance the perception of “Made in Nigeria” as a mark of excellence

Drive non‑oil export growth and economic diversification

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of a competitive, private‑sector‑driven economy where Nigerian brands compete favourably with their counterparts anywhere in the world.

Key Milestones – Nigeria @66 National Day Celebrations
As part of the Nigeria @66 National Day celebrations, Trade Nigeria is being taken directly to three major international markets:

Singapore – Gateway to Southeast Asia

China – World’s largest manufacturing and consumer market

Spain – Strategic entry point into the European Union

In each location, the National Product Fair will bring together Nigerian exhibitors – from agro‑processors and textiles to solid minerals, cosmetics, and tech solutions – to meet qualified buyers, investors, and diaspora partners.

Why This Matters for Nigerian Brands
For decades, “Made in Nigeria” was often underestimated. Trade Nigeria changes that narrative by:

Providing pre‑export quality assurance support

Offering participation grants to qualifying SMEs

Coordinating trade delegations led by state governments and trade associations

Arranging factory tours and product sampling for international partners

Early results from past editions (Abuja International Trade Fair, Lagos Made‑in‑Nigeria Expo) show that Nigerian products – from shea butter and cashew nuts to leather goods and furniture – are highly sought after when properly packaged and marketed.

The Role of States – Nasarawa State Cultural Troupe Featured
Trade Nigeria is not a federal‑only project. It actively partners with State Ministries of Culture and Tourism, trade and investment agencies, and local manufacturers. For the upcoming Nigeria @66 ceremonies in Singapore, China, and Spain, the Nasarawa State Cultural Troupe has been invited to perform at the opening and closing events – a powerful demonstration of how culture and commerce travel together.

States are encouraged to:

Nominate up to 10 indigenous brands per state for trade missions

Showcase local cuisine, crafts, and cultural performances

Attract foreign direct investment into their sub‑national economies

Documented Success Stories
Across the nation, a quiet but powerful revolution is underway. Young entrepreneurs are establishing local factories. Farmers are processing their harvests into finished goods. Artisans are scaling traditional crafts into export-ready products.

Through a series of workshops, trade fairs, and digital campaigns, Trade Nigeria has already helped over 200 local businesses gain visibility, secure commercial partnerships, and access new markets. In a recent statement, Hon. Nwabeze George remarked:

“We are not just promoting products; we are building a movement. When you buy Nigerian, you invest in Nigerian families.”

Nigeria is abundantly blessed with both human and natural resources. From the dynamic markets of Lagos to the industrial zones of Kano and Port Harcourt, locally manufactured goods are increasingly recognised for their quality, durability, and innovation. Despite this potential, Nigeria has for too long relied heavily on imported products, often overlooking the excellence produced within its own borders.

The Made in Nigeria Project Office, in collaboration with Trade Nigeria, is actively changing that narrative. The overarching mission is to promote, protect, and prioritise locally manufactured goods, and to build a thriving ecosystem in which Nigerian businesses can compete successfully – not only at home but also on the global stage.

Recent Milestones
Collaboration with Enterprise Singapore
We are finalizing a modality for collaboration with Enterprise Singapore to deliver a training program focused on world-class packaging, branding, and product processing. This initiative will equip Nigerian businesses with the technical and marketing skills needed to compete in Asia and beyond.

Nigeria-Spain (Barcelona) Economic Forum 2026
In partnership with Spanish trade bodies, we have rescheduled the Nigeria-Spain Economic Forum to 2nd – 3rd October 2026 in Barcelona, coinciding with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Celebration in Madrid. The forum will feature B2B matchmaking, investment panels, and an official visit to key Spanish industrial hubs.

Our Commitment
The Made in Nigeria Project Office remains dedicated to removing barriers to trade, facilitating export-ready certification, and connecting local producers with global buyers. We invite all stakeholders—manufacturers, exporters, trade agencies, and development partners—to join us in building a prosperous, trade-led Nigerian economy.

A Roadmap for Nigerian Businesses
The opportunities are real, and the Project Office has laid out a clear path for businesses to get involved:

Participate in Trade Missions: The office organizes subsidized trade missions and business forums where they handle B2B matchmaking, connecting you directly with vetted buyers in markets like Brazil, Turkey, and Australia.

Leverage the "Her Trade Support Program": This specialized program is designed to empower women entrepreneurs in sectors like leather and textiles, providing them with the support needed to break into global markets.

Prepare for Zero-Tariff Access: Effective May 2026, China will implement zero-tariff treatment on goods from 53 African countries, including Nigeria. The time to prepare your agricultural or manufactured goods for this unprecedented market access is now.

Connect Directly: Manufacturers, SMEs, and investors interested in these opportunities can reach out via email at info@madeinnigeriang.org or visit the official website at madeinnigeriang.org.

The Bottom Line: The

The "Nigeria First Policy" and A Nationwide Campaign
The "Trade Nigeria" initiative is part of a broader government strategy called the "Nigeria First Policy." The government plans to launch a nationwide campaign to promote locally made goods, aiming to shift national demand towards Nigerian products that meet global quality standards. Preliminary studies suggest such a campaign could boost the manufacturing sector by up to six percent and create over 500,000 jobs within the next three years. In the short term, it's projected that the "Made-in-Nigeria" goods campaign could generate an impressive N3 trillion in earnings for the nation's GDP.

. Solving Export Challenges with the National Single Window
To further simplify trade, the government launched the National Single Window project. This major digital trade reform is designed to unify and speed up import, export, and transit processes across the country, reducing the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long hindered Nigerian businesses.

A Multi-Billion Naira Economic Injection
Ambition is backed by serious numbers. The office's "Industrialize Nigeria: Locally Made for Global Access" campaign is set to attract over ₦50 billion into the national economy. This injection of capital will boost local production and create jobs, leading to a ripple effect that strengthens the entire economic value chain.

The vision of the Made in Nigeria Project Office is one where local innovation is celebrated, local products are the first choice, and the phrase "Made in Nigeria" becomes synonymous with quality and reliability on the global stage .

The One Number You Should Care About
Between January and June 2025, Nigeria saved over N173 billion simply by choosing local suppliers through smarter public procurement. That's not export revenue—that's money that stayed in Nigerian pockets instead of leaving the country.

Now imagine what happens when the same logic applies to global trade.

Afreximbank says non-oil export receipts could jump 40% by the end of 2026. That's not a forecast. That's a dare.

So What Do You Do With This Information?
If you make something—anything—with your hands, your machine, your soil, or your skill: stop waiting for permission. The Made in Nigeria Project Office has an open door. Email them. Show up. . Be annoying.

If you don't make anything, but you buy things: ask where your next purchase came from. If it wasn't made within 200 kilometres of where you stand, ask why.

Three Moves That Changed the Game (Without the Fanfare)
First, they stopped begging.
Instead of pleading with Nigerians to "buy local," MINPO went after the real bottleneck: export. They realized you can't build an industrial economy on domestic pity purchases. You need global demand. So they built a bridge to the world.

The result? A zero-tariff corridor to China starting May 1, 2026. That's not a pilot. That's not a memo. That's Nigerian goods entering the world's second-largest economy at the same cost as Chinese goods. For the first time, our small-scale manufacturers can compete on price—not just on sentiment.

Second, they went hyperlocal in a way that makes sense.
Most government programs talk about "grassroots empowerment" while sitting in Abuja. MINPO did something different. They asked a simple question: what is the one thing your community makes better than anywhere else?

That question is now being asked in all 774 local government areas. One product per LGA. One export champion per community. From Awka's carved wooden doors to Bida's glass beads to Oke-Oyi's shea butter—suddenly, "local" isn't a limitation. It's a competitive advantage.

Third, they gave women and young people the keys—not the spare ones.
The Her Trade Support Program isn't a workshop series. It's a trade mission. Women in leather, textiles, and agriculture are being flown to international buyers, not asked to sit in hotel conference rooms and take notes. And the youth? MINPO is embedding them directly into state-level manufacturing hubs—not as interns, but as operators.

For decades, "Made in Nigeria" was a phrase whispered with a shrug. We exported crude oil and imported everything else—from toothpicks to transformers. Our own people didn't trust what we made. And frankly, why would they? The system wasn't built for them.

That story is dying. Not because of a slogan. Not because of a policy announcement. But because something strange and wonderful is happening in the backstreets of Aba, the industrial clusters of Ogun, the leather tanneries of Kano, and the agro-hubs of Taraba.

Nigerians are building things again. And this time, the government isn't just watching from a distance. It's finally getting out of the way—and then stepping in exactly where it should.

From Fashion to Tech: A Diverse Focus
The "Made in Nigeria" label covers a vast landscape of industries. The project office focuses on key sectors where Nigerian ingenuity is already making waves, including :

Agriculture & Food: Promoting organic produce and packaged goods.

Fashion & Textiles: Supporting traditional craftsmanship and trend-setting designs.

Technology & Electronics: Encouraging homegrown tech solutions.

Health & Beauty: Showcasing natural and effective wellness products.

By spotlighting these sectors, the office is helping to diversify the economy and reduce the nation's dependency on imports.

A New Era for Nigerian Trade

The message from the Made in Nigeria Project Office is simple yet profound: “Buy Nigeria Gas, Grow Naira” . But the strategy behind it is complex and far-reaching. Officially established in 2023 (though its roots go back to discussions in 2006), the office serves as a bridge between government, the private sector, and global markets. Located at Shagari House in the Three Arm Zone, Abuja, it has quickly become the central hub for promoting local content, supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and fostering economic growth .

Taking "Made in Nigeria" to the World
Perhaps the most exciting development is the office’s aggressive push for international trade. In a groundbreaking move, MINPO launched the “Industrialize Nigeria: Locally Made for Global Access” campaign, aiming to attract over ₦50 billion into the national economy .

This isn’t just about talk; it’s about infrastructure. In November 2025, the office unveiled the Made in Nigeria Warehouse and National Product Galleria in Hong Kong and Brazil . These are not just exhibition spaces; they are permanent platforms where Nigerian businesses can store products, connect with global buyers, and negotiate trade deals year-round. By creating these hubs, the office is effectively lowering the barrier to entry for local manufacturers looking to compete on the world stage .

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

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 .

5 Ways the "Trade Nigeria" Initiative is Putting Money Back in Your Pocket
The Made in Nigeria Project Office isn't just flying the flag; they are opening bank accounts. If you are a business owner or an aspiring exporter, their "Trade Nigeria" campaign has created specific opportunities that you might be missing.

Here are five concrete ways the initiative is changing the game for Nigerian businesses right now.

1. Free Passports to Global Markets
Forget spending millions trying to navigate foreign trade laws alone. Through the Nigeria Economic Forum series, MaInPro is organizing subsidized trade missions to Brazil, Turkey, and Australia. They are handling the B2B matchmaking, so you don't have to cold-call buyers in a foreign language.

2. The ₦50 Billion Economic Injection
The "Industrialize Nigeria" campaign isn't a slogan; it is a target. By attracting this level of investment, the office is creating a ripple effect. More investment means more factories, which means more jobs, and ultimately, more disposable income for local consumers.

3. Logistics Solved (The Hong Kong Advantage)
One of the biggest hurdles for exporters is warehousing and distribution. The new Made in Nigeria Warehouses in Hong Kong solve this. You produce the goods in Kano or Lagos, and the Project Office helps ensure they have a 24/7 storefront in one of the busiest trade hubs in Asia.

4. Women-First Trade
The Her Trade Support Program is specifically targeting women in leather and textiles. This isn't charity; it’s smart economics. By empowering women to export, the initiative is diversifying the economy and strengthening the grassroots.

5. Institutional Trust
The 10-year MoU with the Globe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) provides stability. For businesses, this long-term partnership means that the "Trade Nigeria" push isn't a one-off political stunt. It is a decade-long strategy, giving investors the confidence to commit.



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

The Silent Revolution: Why the World is Finally Listening to "Made in Nigeria"
For too long, the phrase "Made in Nigeria" was whispered with apology. It was a stamp associated with "just trying" rather than "world-class." But if you listen closely, the whispers are being replaced by a roar.

Behind the headlines and the political jargon, the Made in Nigeria Project Office (MaInPro) is quietly orchestrating a cultural and economic shift that feels less like a policy and more like a movement.



The Psychology of "Made in Nigeria"
The "Trade Nigeria" agenda isn't just about export numbers; it is about therapy for a national inferiority complex. For decades, we believed that "foreign" was inherently better. We wore foreign clothes, ate foreign rice, and celebrated foreign cars.

MaInPro understands that you cannot sell what you do not respect. By leveraging platforms like the upcoming Nigeria-Brazil Economic Forum and establishing permanent warehouses in Hong Kong, they are holding up a mirror to Nigerians and the world, saying: "Look at what we can do. It’s world-class."

When a Nigerian entrepreneur sees their goods displayed in a galleria in South America without having to bribe a customs officer or navigate a chaotic port alone, it changes their mindset. It tells them that the government is finally creating the infrastructure for them to win.

Supporting Local Businesses: How It Works
For Nigerian entrepreneurs wondering how to engage with the project, several pathways exist:

Policy Advocacy: The office works with regulatory agencies including the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and NAFDAC to improve the business environment for local producers

Market Access: Through partnerships with retailers and e-commerce platforms, the project helps connect manufacturers with customers

Funding Links: Businesses gain access to information about government incentives, Bank of Industry loans, and Central Bank intervention funds

Export Facilitation: Through international warehouses and trade missions, the project helps businesses navigate the complexities of cross-border trade

Challenges on the Path to Industrialization
The project's leadership is realistic about the obstacles that remain. Infrastructure deficits—unreliable power, poor road networks, high logistics costs—continue to hamper production. Foreign competition, particularly from subsidized Chinese imports, undercuts local manufacturers on price. Access to affordable credit remains a struggle for many small businesses. And perhaps most stubbornly, consumer perception sometimes favors foreign goods based on assumptions about quality rather than reality .

Addressing these challenges requires a whole-of-government approach. The project advocates for stricter enforcement of import bans on goods that can be produced locally, expanded public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure, and continued consumer education to shift purchasing habits .

The Road Ahead: 2025–2030
With a five-year plan extending to 2030, the Made in Nigeria Project Office has mapped an ambitious trajectory. The immediate focus is on the Brazil and Hong Kong expansions, but the vision extends further. Plans are underway to establish state-level project offices across Nigeria, ensuring that the "Buy Nigeria" message reaches every corner of the federation .

The Nigeria Economic Forum series, with editions planned for Brazil, Australia, and Turkey throughout 2025, represents another pillar of the international strategy. These forums are designed as more than networking events—they are platforms for crafting economic bridges between Nigeria and the world's fastest-growing economies .

Why It Matters
For the average Nigerian, the success of this project carries tangible implications. When local industries grow, they create jobs. When more goods are produced domestically, the naira strengthens. When Nigerian products gain acceptance internationally, the benefits flow back to communities across the country.

But perhaps most importantly, the project speaks to something less measurable but equally vital: national confidence. In a country of more than 250 ethnic groups, hundreds of languages, and a history of colonial extraction, building a shared economic identity is itself an act of nation-building .

As one project statement puts it: "It is about more than just products; it's about identity. It's about making 'Made in Nigeria' mean quality, trust, and global competitiveness" .

Understanding the "Nigeria First" Philosophy
At the core of the project's work is the "Nigeria First Policy" —a strategic framework designed to transform the nation's economic psychology. The vision extends beyond manufacturing; it seeks to rebuild the relationship between Nigerians and what they produce.

"When citizens believe in their own products, economies grow stronger," the project's leadership observes. "Nations like Japan, Germany, and South Korea achieved global industrial success by supporting what they produce. For Nigeria, the same truth holds: when we Buy Nigeria, we build industries, create jobs, and power sustainable economic growth" .

This philosophy translates into practical objectives: increasing local production, reducing import dependence, empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and ultimately contributing to GDP growth through economic diversification .

What Does "Made in Nigeria" Actually Mean?
For businesses seeking to participate, the project makes important distinctions:

"Made in Nigeria" : Products manufactured within Nigeria using local raw materials and labor

"Assembled in Nigeria" : Products assembled locally, potentially with imported components

"Packaged in Nigeria" : Products processed and packaged within the country

This clarity helps consumers and international partners understand exactly what they're supporting .

Key Focus Sectors
The project casts a wide net across Nigeria's economic landscape, with particular attention to sectors where local producers can compete globally:

Agriculture and Food Processing : Promoting organic produce and packaged goods that can satisfy both domestic demand and export markets

Fashion and Textiles : Supporting traditional craftsmanship while encouraging contemporary design that appeals to international buyers

Technology and Electronics : Nurturing the innovation ecosystem that has already produced global successes like Paystack

Furniture and Home Decor : Showcasing Nigerian craftsmanship in durable, design-forward products

Health and Beauty : Promoting natural wellness products derived from Nigeria's rich botanical heritage

Statutory Status Achieved
In May 2025, the Made in Nigeria Project Office was formally established as a statutory national program under the OSGF, ensuring federal budgetary allocation and institutional backing . This status elevates Trade Nigeria from an initiative to a permanent institution for export promotion.

Zero-Tariff Access to China
Effective May 2026, China will implement comprehensive zero-tariff treatment on goods from 53 African countries, including Nigeria. This policy directly benefits Nigerian agricultural exports and positions Trade Nigeria members for unprecedented access to the world's largest market .

How to Get Involved
The Made in Nigeria Project Office welcomes participation from:

Manufacturers and producers seeking export opportunities

SMEs looking for market access and capacity building

Investors interested in Nigerian industrial capacity

Women entrepreneurs eligible for the Her Trade Support Program

State governments wanting to showcase regional products

Conclusion

Trade Nigeria, powered by the Made in Nigeria Project Office, represents a new chapter in the country's economic history. From the "Nigeria First Policy" to permanent product galleries in Hong Kong and Brazil, the message is clear: Nigeria is ready for business.

"The Made in Nigeria Project Office is demonstrating that local innovation can compete globally. This campaign is not just about showcasing products—it is about transforming our economy, creating jobs, and ensuring that 'Made in Nigeria' becomes a recognized and trusted global brand" .

The future of Nigerian industry is innovative, competitive, and globally recognized. Join the movement. Buy Naija, grow the naira, and take Nigeria to the world.

What is Trade Nigeria?
Trade Nigeria is the trade promotion and market access platform powered by the Made in Nigeria Project Office. While the Project Office provides the policy framework, strategic direction, and institutional backing, Trade Nigeria serves as the practical vehicle for connecting Nigerian businesses with international buyers, investors, and partners .

Think of it this way: The Made in Nigeria Project Office is the engine, and Trade Nigeria is the vehicle delivering Nigerian goods to the world.

The Vision: "Nigeria First Policy"
The Made in Nigeria Project operates under a clear and compelling vision: the "Nigeria First Policy" —to transform Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy into a production-driven, industrialized nation, making local manufacturing the backbone of national development .

This vision manifests through Trade Nigeria's practical work:

Increasing local production across priority sectors

Promoting export diversification beyond crude oil

Creating jobs through SME empowerment

Building national pride in Nigerian-made products

What is Trade Nigeria?
Trade Nigeria is the trade promotion and market access platform powered by the Made in Nigeria Project Office. While the Project Office provides the policy framework, strategic direction, and institutional backing, Trade Nigeria serves as the practical vehicle for connecting Nigerian businesses with international buyers, investors, and partners .

Think of it this way: The Made in Nigeria Project Office is the engine, and Trade Nigeria is the vehicle delivering Nigerian goods to the world.

The Vision: "Nigeria First Policy"
The Made in Nigeria Project operates under a clear and compelling vision: the "Nigeria First Policy" —to transform Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy into a production-driven, industrialized nation, making local manufacturing the backbone of national development .

This vision manifests through Trade Nigeria's practical work:

Increasing local production across priority sectors

Promoting export diversification beyond crude oil

Creating jobs through SME empowerment

Building national pride in Nigerian-made products

Structure of the Summit: 15th – 17th October 2026
The three-day event in Deqing is meticulously planned to maximize tangible outcomes, blending high-level policy discussions with ground-level business dealings :

Day 1: High-Level Plenary Sessions. The summit will kick off with keynote addresses from government officials and trade ministers. This day will focus on setting the policy framework and outlining the vision for a renewed Asia-Africa partnership.

Day 2: B2B Matchmaking & Sectoral Workshops. The rhetoric of day one transitions into action on day two. This will involve direct interaction between manufacturers, exporters, and investors. Sector-specific workshops will allow for deep dives into the challenges and opportunities within various industries.

Day 3: Exhibition and Closing Gala. The final day will feature a grand exhibition showcasing African products—with a special spotlight on "Made in Nigeria" initiatives—alongside Asian technological innovations. The summit will culminate in a closing gala where the fruits of the discussions—likely in the form of signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)—will be announced .

Who Should Attend?
The summit is designed to be a melting pot of stakeholders. Whether you are looking for investors, partners, or markets, this is the place to be. Key participants include :

Manufacturers and Industrialists seeking production partnerships.

Tech Entrepreneurs and Innovators looking to scale.

Government Agencies and Trade Regulators shaping policy.

Investors and Venture Capitalists hunting for the next big opportunity.

SME Owners looking for global expansion strategies.

Final Thoughts
The Asia-Africa Summit 2026 in Deqing arrives at a pivotal moment in global economics. As the world reorders itself, the partnership between Asia and Africa—two regions rich in youth, resources, and ambition—will be crucial.

With the Made in Nigeria Project Office and the Globe Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the helm, this summit is poised to be a launchpad for tangible economic transformation . It represents a future where African resources and Asian technology create a synergy that drives global prosperity .



For More Information on Contact and Participation Contact: www://nigeriaecbdforum.com/

Key Themes on the Agenda
The summit in Deqing is structured to tackle the most pressing economic issues facing the two continents. Based on the preliminary agenda, four major pillars will dominate the discussions:

1. Industrialization & Manufacturing
A core focus will be on establishing robust manufacturing hubs across Africa. Leveraging the expertise of Asian partners, discussions will target specific sectors such as textiles, electronics, and automotive assembly. The goal is to create jobs, build local capacity, and foster industrial self-sufficiency in African nations .

2. Trade Harmonization and AfCFTA
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creating the world's largest free trade area by number of countries, the summit will explore how Asian investors can best leverage this new market. Talks will center on reducing trade barriers and harmonizing standards to facilitate smoother entry for foreign direct investment .

3. The Digital Silk Road
Technology will be a major thread of the conversation. From Fintech to Artificial Intelligence, the summit will explore how Asian tech giants can partner with Africa's vibrant startup ecosystems. This collaboration aims to accelerate the continent's digital transformation and leapfrog traditional infrastructural hurdles .

4. Agriculture and Food Security
In an era of climate change and supply chain disruptions, food security is paramount. The summit aims to bridge the gap between Asia's advanced mechanized farming techniques and Africa's vast arable land. The focus will be on creating sustainable value chains from farm to processing plant, ensuring food stability and economic returns for both continents .

The global economic landscape is shifting, and the corridors of power are increasingly defined by South-South cooperation. From the 15th to the 17th of October 2026, all eyes will turn to Deqing, China, as it hosts the highly anticipated Asia-Africa Summit 2026. This three-day event promises to be more than just a diplomatic gathering; it is being positioned as a "marketplace for ideas, investments, and industrial partnerships" that could redefine economic relations between two of the world's most dynamic regions .

What makes this year's summit particularly significant is the driving force behind its strategic direction. Sponsored and organized by the Made in Nigeria Project Office in collaboration with the Globe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) , the 2026 summit carries a distinct mandate: to move Africa beyond raw material export and position local ingenuity—particularly Nigerian enterprise—at the heart of the Asia-Africa trade narrative .

As we approach the date, here is a comprehensive look at why this summit matters, the key themes on the agenda, and what participants can expect from the event.