The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, on Tuesday, called for robust adoption and application of electronic commerce in the Nigerian export sector.
Anite, at the Service Export and E-commerce Summit organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Abuja themed, “Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Service Export through Digital Trade Platforms,” said FG remains committed to advancing e-commerce export.
She said the global trade landscape was undergoing significant changes, with services and e-commerce becoming central to economic growth.
“The service sector, in particular, has emerged as a powerful engine for innovation, job creation, and economic diversification. Nigeria, blessed with a rich talent pool and thriving industries such as IT, finance, creative arts, and professional services, is well-positioned to take a leadership role in the global services market” Anite said.
The minister noted digital platforms for global trade “have revolutionized the way businesses connect, providing vast opportunities for service providers to expand internationally”.
She highlighted that digital such trade platforms help break down traditional barriers, facilitate cross-border transactions, and drive export inclusiveness, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that were once restricted by geographical and infrastructural limitations.
According to her “The initiative to develop a digital platform dedicated to boosting Nigeria’s services export is both timely and strategic.
“Through sustained growth and development, this platform will not only provide viable market access opportunities but also structure efforts to mainstream women and the skilled, talented youth populace into the global economy, thereby promoting economic diversification which will not only benefit the service sector but also make a significant contribution to the overall economy.
To fully harness these opportunities, Nigeria must proactively invest in the right infrastructure, provide robust support systems, and implement policies that empower service providers to thrive in the digital marketplace, Anite implored.
Assuring the federal government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment, the minister said digital trade and e-commerce are at the core of Nigeria’s service sector strategy, and by investing in digital infrastructure, developing talent, and fostering innovation, Nigeria will build a strong ecosystem where its services can easily reach global markets.