Federal Government Unveils Plan for Exportable Product in Every LGA by 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a comprehensive national initiative aimed at identifying and developing at least one viable export product from each of the country’s 774 local government areas. This ambitious strategy, targeting 2026, is designed to radically diversify the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Disclosed by the Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, via a post on X, the plan seeks to unlock the productive potential of communities nationwide. The core objective is to shift Nigeria’s export focus away from hydrocarbons by cultivating a diverse range of non-oil exports anchored at the grassroots level. “The idea is simple but ambitious: every local government must have something it can produce and sell to Africa,” the statement noted.
The initiative was detailed by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, during the presentation of Nigeria’s AfCFTA Achievements Report for 2025, which also outlined trade priorities for 2026. Minister Oduwole emphasized that the Federal Government will collaborate closely with state governments and local authorities to identify products with genuine export potential. This process will span agriculture, manufacturing, processing, and other value-adding sectors, with the goal of positioning these goods for the continental market.
Beyond mere product identification, the program encompasses stronger inter-governmental coordination, improved trade data systems, clearer export guidelines, and nationwide sensitization campaigns. The overarching aim is to localize the benefits of the AfCFTA, ensuring communities across Nigeria can participate in and profit from Africa’s largest free trade market. Successful implementation is projected to stimulate industrial activity, create jobs, strengthen local value chains, and expand Nigeria’s share of intra-African trade.
This strategic move to harness local economic potential represents a significant step in national economic planning. It follows other notable developments in governance and international relations, such as when the PCC receives 4,652 petitions or instances where China supports Nigeria’s infrastructure goals. The government’s focus remains on building a resilient, diversified economy from the ground up, ensuring that the nation’s trade policies yield tangible benefits for all tiers of society.
