The Oyo State Government has urged exporters in the state to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand their businesses and gain access to markets across the continent.

The government said the agreement presented significant opportunities for Nigerian businesses, particularly exporters seeking to increase the volume and value of non-oil products from the state.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, stated this while addressing stakeholders at a meeting of the State Committee on Export Promotion (SCEP) in Ibadan.

Adelabu said the state government was committed to strengthening collaboration among government agencies, exporters, regulatory bodies and other private-sector stakeholders to address challenges affecting non-oil exports.

He urged exporters to improve the quality, packaging and standardisation of their products to meet international requirements and take full advantage of the opportunities provided by AfCFTA.

According to him, Oyo State has considerable potential in agricultural and manufactured products that could compete favourably in African markets if properly processed, certified and marketed.

The commissioner stressed the need for exporters to understand the requirements of target markets, obtain necessary certifications and adopt appropriate packaging and labelling standards.

He said the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while strengthening institutional support for exporters across the state.

Adelabu also called for stronger coordination among relevant government institutions and industry players, noting that effective collaboration was essential to removing bottlenecks and improving the competitiveness of Oyo products.

He urged exporters to explore new markets beyond Nigeria, saying AfCFTA had created a broader platform for businesses to connect with consumers across Africa.

The commissioner assured stakeholders that the state government would continue to support initiatives aimed at boosting non-oil exports, attracting investment and increasing the contribution of trade to the state’s economic development.

He said sustained export growth would not only generate foreign exchange but also create jobs, strengthen local production and enhance the overall economic prosperity of Oyo State.