Open Access
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council and Non-Oil Trade Outcomes: An Empirical Analysis
Celestine Emeka
1
,
Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu
1
,
Olusola Sam-Sorungbe
1
,
,
Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu
1
,
Olusola Sam-Sorungbe
1
,
4
MIR, Department of Political Science, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
MIR, Department of Political Science, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
MIR, Department of Political Science, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
PhD, Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
PhD, Faculty of Business Management, Global Banking School, Oxford Brookes University Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
4
PhD, Department of Entrepreneurship, School of Logistics and Innovation, Federal University of Technology, Akure; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
PhD , Department of Accounting and Finance, Global Banking School, Christ Canterbury Church University Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4
PhD (in progress), Department of Business Management, London School of Science and Technology, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Abstract
Export diversification remains central to economic resilience in resource-dependent economies. Nigeria’s persistent reliance on crude oil exports, which account for over 90% of export earnings, has raised sustained concerns regarding structural imbalance and vulnerability to external shocks. This study examines the institutional role of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in promoting non-oil exports and evaluates whether its programmes are significantly associated with export promotion outcomes. Drawing on primary data collected from 104 staff members of NEPC and analysed using chi-square statistical techniques, the findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between NEPC programmes and export promotion. Despite evidence of institutional relevance, the growth trajectory of non-oil exports remains modest relative to oil exports. Constraints including inadequate funding, insufficient ICT infrastructure, and policy instability continue to limit effectiveness. The paper contributes to research on export-led development by situating export promotion within an institutional systems framework and by providing empirical insight into the operational dynamics of Nigeria’s apex export agency.
Keywords
Export promotion,
non-oil exports,
institutional capacity,
Nigeria,
export diversification,
systems theory
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