Nigeria’s Textile Exports Under AGOA Remain Minimal
Nigeria’s textile and apparel sector contributed only 0.01% of imports to the United States under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2023, according to Melissa Jones, USAID Mission Director. Jones disclosed this at an AGOA training workshop organized by USAID and Prosper Africa to help Nigerian businesses maximize the benefits of AGOA.
AGOA, a U.S. trade legislation enacted in 2000, grants eligible Sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market for specific products. However, Nigeria’s textile exports under AGOA have lagged behind other African nations.
“In 2023, Nigeria’s textile and apparel exports under AGOA totaled only $548,000, accounting for a mere fraction of AGOA imports,” Jones noted. She further highlighted that fuel exports dominate Nigeria’s AGOA trade, with 98% of duty-free imports in 2023 comprising oil, worth $3.7 billion. In contrast, exports from metals, agriculture, and chemicals made minimal contributions.
The AGOA workshop aims to bridge the gap by equipping Nigerian exporters with skills to meet U.S. market standards. Jones emphasized the need to strengthen production capacity, improve product quality, and increase awareness of AGOA opportunities.
“Nigeria’s textile sector has significant untapped potential, but it must become more competitive to rival other AGOA beneficiaries like Kenya,” Jones said. She encouraged public-private collaboration to drive growth and expand Nigeria’s share of the U.S. market.
Jones also reminded stakeholders that AGOA eligibility is reviewed annually by the U.S. Trade Representative, with beneficiary status subject to revocation at the U.S. President’s discretion.
Nigeria remains one of the 36 eligible African countries under AGOA, alongside Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania. However, without strategic reforms, Nigeria risks missing out on AGOA’s benefits, Jones warned.
