The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving data collection on informal cross-border trade activities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, described the agreement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to grow its export sector by integrating informal trade data into national records.
She noted that current export statistics largely reflect formal sector activities, which omit a considerable volume of informal transactions despite their substantial economic impact. “In 2024 alone, formal records show that 7.291 million metric tonnes of non-oil products, valued at US$5.456 billion, were exported. This, however, excludes informal trade data,” Ayeni stated.
Ayeni highlighted that informal cross-border trade plays a vital role in sustaining livelihoods, strengthening regional supply chains, and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic resilience. “Trade data collected by NEPC state offices from corridors in Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Lagos, Ogun, and Adamawa recorded informal transactions valued at over US$31.8 million during certain months in 2024,” she revealed.
She also referenced data from the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), which indicated that more than 1.6 million bags of onions were informally exported to neighbouring countries including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, and Niger Republic.
According to Ayeni, the absence of such data in national trade records undermines Nigeria’s economic planning, weakens its position in trade negotiations, and denies informal traders especially women, youth, and MSMEs the recognition and support they require.
She added that the collaboration with the NBS was designed to correct this imbalance and ensure that all aspects of the country’s export activity are properly documented.
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The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adeniran, remarked that the gathering of stakeholders from across government, regional institutions, and the private sector demonstrated a shared commitment to addressing data challenges in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
He pointed out that the lack of data on informal trade and services hampers evidence-based policymaking, affects trade negotiations, and distorts macroeconomic indicators. “Traditional trade statistics focus on large-scale formal transactions and often miss the vibrancy and scale of informal trade,” he said.
Adeniran cited estimates showing that informal trade contributes between 20% and 40% of intra-African trade, with Nigeria holding a substantial share due to its extensive and porous borders.
“These are not merely data gaps, but gaps in our understanding of the economic realities of millions of Nigerians,” he added.
He said the partnership with NEPC would enable the development of modern strategies to formalise trade, enhance competitiveness, and promote inclusive economic growth. “Better data will allow us to craft more effective border policies, support SME development, improve food security, and monitor the success of regional integration efforts,” Adeniran concluded.
