The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group has assured Nigerian exporters that the country’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act remains secure, even with a change in the United States administration.

Secretary of MANEG, Dr. Benedict Obhiosa, disclosed this during a telephone interview with The PUNCH, stating that Nigeria remains in good standing with the US under AGOA.

Obhiosa affirmed that the US’ positive assessment of AGOA during former President Joe Biden’s administration kept Nigeria off the list of suspended or excluded countries.

“The assessment of AGOA by the immediate past president of the United States, Joe Biden, and Nigeria was still in their good books. Nigeria was not (a) part of those to be left behind or suspended,” Obhiosa said.

The MAN official downplayed fears of AGOA’s termination under Donald Trump’s presidency, predicting that the recently inaugurated US president would extend the programme rather than scrap it.

“From all indications, Donald Trump will still be extending the tenure of AGOA and not scrapping it for any other reason,” Obhiosa remarked. “(Trump) may be looking into what benefit it is to America, especially what he always says about ‘America first,’ but you know AGOA has to bring into the United States things the US does not have per se.”

Obhiosa highlighted the mutual benefits of AGOA to both the US and African economies, particularly in the areas of apparel and agricultural products.

He explained that these goods, which are allowed into the US under AGOA, remain in demand in the American market, assuring, “Clothes, apparel, and some agri-produce allowed under AGOA are things that will always be in demand in the US market. There is no cause for alarm for countries like Nigeria that are not on the red flag under AGOA.”

Obhiosa’s assessment of Trump’s potential trade policies clarified that the US leader’s approach, as seen in his past term in office, was largely focused on China and not African nations.

He described Trump’s stance on international trade as prioritising “America first” but added that the US remains open to partnerships with productive economies like Nigeria.

“Trump was basically out for China then, not really against African countries in his trade policies. He also wants a situation where America plays a big brother role while still benefiting its economy,” he explained.

Further, Obhiosa pointed out opportunities for collaboration in emerging industries like electric vehicles, as the US cannot source all the raw materials domestically. “The room for partnership is still very much open for productive economies,” the MANEG secretary asserted.

He maintained that the US market would remain accessible to Nigerian exporters, emphasising that no restrictions were expected against the country. “I don’t think President Trump will be shutting the gate against exporters from Nigeria and other African countries,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, has cautioned that Nigeria’s benefits from AGOA are limited due to a lack of competitiveness.

At an earlier press briefing, Ajayi-Kadir stressed the need for local producers to address quality and technical standards.

“I’m not sure that Nigeria benefitted enormously from AGOA, and for us to benefit from any kind of international agreement, we need to be competitive,” Ajayi-Kadir declared. “It is not just enough for you to say you are taking your products outside the country. But when you take it out, are you going to dress up the shelf? Because for every product that you are exporting, there must be other alternatives.”

Ajayi-Kadir highlighted export weakening issues such as post-harvest losses and the frequent rejection of Nigerian agricultural products due to substandard quality. “Even the agricultural products, the post-harvest losses, and the fact that we are being rejected on technical and quality standards limit our chances. In fighting for space under a renewed AGOA, we should do something about being competitive, even in the American market,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Ajayi-Kadir expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential, adding, “We are not a poor country. We are naturally endowed with human and material resources.

We pull our weight.”

MAN’s DG urged the country to adopt a strategic approach to trade and policy, noting, “If Trump says ‘America first,’ we say ‘Nigeria first.’”

The MAN leaders emphasised that Nigeria must leverage its resources and ingenuity to remain a key player in international trade.

AGOA is a US trade initiative enacted in 2000 that provides duty-free access to the American market for certain goods from eligible African countries, including Nigeria.

Nigeria primarily utilises AGOA to export crude oil to the U.S. AGOA is set to expire in 2025.