Agriculture and export experts in Nigeria are urging the Federal Government and private sector to develop a coordinated national strategy to maximize the country's access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The extension of AGOA to December 2028 could become another missed opportunity without measurable reforms, they warn. A national strategy would identify priority export products, establish clear targets, improve standards and certification infrastructure, promote value addition, and strengthen supply chains.
Dr. John Isemede, an agriculture, export value-chain, and trade expert, notes that Nigeria's ability to benefit from the renewed arrangement is constrained by persistent weaknesses in technology, infrastructure, investment, value addition, and production capacity. He advises that Nigeria should examine its performance under previous phases of AGOA and other international initiatives to understand why expected economic benefits have not been achieved. Isemede, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), recommends that Nigeria develop a measurable national strategy for increasing exports to the US market.
Henry Olatujoye, CEO at Palmfield Development & Processing Limited, emphasizes that Nigeria's priority should be to build an integrated export-production system capable of supplying the US market consistently, competitively, and in line with international standards. He identifies production costs, quality standards, certification, infrastructure, logistics, and export financing as areas requiring urgent attention. Olatujoye stresses that adding value to export products is crucial, and Nigeria should review its culture of exporting raw materials to the US.
Chi Tola Roberts, an Agribusiness Expert, calls for a clear implementation framework, measurable targets, and accountability across government and the private sector to ensure that the extension produces tangible economic gains. Progress should be measured by the number of Nigerian businesses securing repeat US buyers, growth in non-oil export earnings, expansion of local manufacturing capacity, and incomes generated for farmers. Roberts emphasizes that AGOA must serve as a catalyst for building an export economy that remains competitive beyond 2028.
Tunde Banjoko, Chairman of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Agro-Allied Group, highlights product quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance as critical components that must be integrated into Nigeria's export strategy. He notes that pesticide residues have continued to undermine the export of Nigerian agricultural products, with some consignments rejected after reaching international markets. Banjoko urges producers to pay greater attention to production practices, particularly when cultivating commodities intended for international markets.
Banjoko stresses the importance of traceability, saying developed markets increasingly require information on the origin and production history of agricultural commodities. He calls for greater attention to seed quality, adherence to appropriate production procedures, and compliance with regulations, while urging regulators to intensify sensitization on the requirements of destination markets. This will enable Nigerian farmers and manufacturers to position themselves for sustained participation in international markets.
Experts agree that the extension of AGOA to December 2028 presents an opportunity for Nigeria to develop a national strategy that would translate market access into increased production, value-added exports, stronger businesses, and improved farmer incomes. To achieve this, the Federal Government and private sector must work together to address the country's export challenges and create a competitive export economy.
Key points
- Nigeria needs to develop a coordinated national strategy to maximize its access to the US market under AGOA.
- The strategy should identify priority export products, establish clear targets, improve standards and certification infrastructure, promote value addition, and strengthen supply chains.
- Nigeria must address production costs, quality standards, certification, infrastructure, logistics, and export financing to build a competitive export economy.
