At the NIIA Trade and Investment Forum 2025 in Lagos, trade experts, policymakers, and industry leaders discussed the steps Nigeria must take to achieve a $1 trillion economy. The forum, themed “Reform to Results: Building a Trade-Ready Nigeria in the Emerging Global Order,” emphasized strategic reforms, infrastructure, and private sector engagement.

Key Insights:

1. Build a Trade-Ready Nation:
   Nigeria needs strong institutions, digitized customs systems, efficient ports, and an enabling environment to attract sustainable investments. Reforms must deliver tangible benefits such as ease of doing business, predictable regulations, and transparent processes.
2. Shift Business Focus:
   • Move from raw commodity exports to value-added products.
   • Prioritize sustainability and transparency in trade.
   • Leverage bilateral platforms, trade missions, and investment delegations to access global markets.
3. Ensure Policy Coherence and Infrastructure Development:
   Government agencies must work together, and investments are needed in both hard infrastructure (ports, roads) and soft infrastructure (internet, data systems). Strengthening regional value chains and Special Economic Zones is also critical.
4. Set Ambitious Growth Targets:
   To reach a $1 trillion economy, Nigeria must grow at 15–18% annually, significantly higher than the current $250 billion economy.
5. Empower Sub-National Governments:
   States should develop specialized value chains based on local strengths, while federal policies are harmonized to avoid conflicts and attract investment.
6. Modernize Trade Facilitation:
   The Nigeria Customs Service is advancing digitalization, transparency, and private sector collaboration, aligning with AfCFTA objectives to improve trade efficiency.

Conclusion:
Experts agree that Nigeria’s path to a $1 trillion economy requires reforms that are implemented and sustained, collaboration across government levels, robust infrastructure, and active participation in regional and global value chains.