Unlocking Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Potential: Nexhub, AfCFTA Discuss Strategic Growth

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Group Managing Director of Zeenab Foods and chairman of The Nigerian Exporters Hub (Nexhub), Dr. Victor Ayemere, led a delegation to meet with Mr. Segun Awolowo, the National Coordinator of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The meeting was centered on the progress of Nexhub.

Nexhub, a groundbreaking platform driving non-oil exports, was born out of the Nigerian Export Trade House (ETH) initiative in China, a brainchild of Mr. Awolowo during his tenure at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Ayemere, said, “I have come to let you know that your initiative has given birth to a baby giant – Nexhub – that is shaking the non-oil export space in Nigeria. The Export Trade House in China, which was part of your initiative, has successfully birthed this platform that is transforming the industry.”

He emphasized the integrity and vision that led to the success of Nexhub, as he praised Mr. Awolowo for his decision to approve Zeenab Foods as the operator of the ETH in China without any personal acquaintance or lobbying.

Interestingly, the meeting was the very first face-to-face interaction between Dr. Ayemere and Mr. Awolowo, underscoring Mr. Awolowo’s commitment to fairness and excellence in the selection process for the trade houses.

Mr. Awolowo expressed happiness that the ETH in China is operating well and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export landscape.

Mr. Babatunde Faleke, Managing Director of Nexhub, also provided an overview of the platform’s success, highlighting its growing user base of over 435 subscribers and 120,000 registered users.

Nexhub’s strategic support for exporters has contributed to the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and laid the groundwork for expansion into broader African markets, aligning with AfCFTA’s vision to boost intra-African trade.

Mr. Awolowo reinforced the importance of strengthening intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework, with particular focus on Nigeria’s agricultural exports.

He encouraged increased investment in production capabilities, especially in sectors such as cocoa, cashew, and sesame seeds, which are vital to Nigeria’s export growth. Additionally, he emphasized the role of Afrexim Bank’s initiatives to promote intra-African trade and encouraged exporters to take advantage of these opportunities.