FG Seeks Arab Investment in Nigeria’s Agro-Processing, Manufacturing to Boost $37bn Trade Outlook
Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has urged Arab nations to transition from exporting raw commodities to Nigeria and instead partner in agro-processing and manufacturing, as trade between Africa and the Arab world is projected to grow by more than $37 billion within the next three years.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made the call Friday at the Arab-Africa Trade Bridge (AATB) Agribusiness Matchmaking Forum in Abuja.
“We must move beyond primary commodities to value-added products,” Edun said. “This is the moment to turn opportunity into action by building stronger value chains and creating jobs across both regions.”
Edun highlighted that Nigeria’s expanding industrial capacity and the planned National Single Window platform would significantly ease trade processes and attract stronger private-sector investment.
He added that global economic uncertainties have made deeper Africa–Arab cooperation “not just desirable but essential.”
The matchmaking forum — held ahead of the AATB Board of Governors Meeting — brought together policymakers, investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in food security, agricultural value chains, and manufacturing.
Nigeria positioned itself as a prime destination for cross-regional investment, especially in agro-processing, industrial production, and logistics.
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Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Oluwatobi Adu