The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Abubakar Abba Bello, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s export ecosystem through its flagship initiative, the EXCEL Programme, designed to unlock the potential of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Bello made this known in Abuja during the SME Export Finance Sensitization Forum jointly organized by NEXIM Bank, the Sustainable Economic Development for Decent Employment in Nigeria (SEDIN) Programme, and its implementation partner, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
He noted that MSMEs form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for 96.9% of registered businesses, contributing 48% to GDP, and employing 87.9% of the workforce. However, over 55% of MSMEs face financing constraints, while many collapse within five years due to poor infrastructure, high operational costs, and regulatory bottlenecks.
According to Bello, the EXCEL Programme—developed in collaboration with GIZ—is a digitally driven initiative that identifies and supports export-ready MSME clusters across the country. “Through targeted training and customized financial products, EXCEL will enable MSMEs to scale their operations and compete globally,” he explained.
Citing World Bank data, Bello stated that Nigeria’s exports of goods and services currently contribute only 7.64% to the GDP, highlighting the need for initiatives like EXCEL to bridge this gap.
He further disclosed that NEXIM has introduced several tailored financing solutions such as the SME Export Facility (SMEEF) and the Women and Youth Export Facility (WAYEF), complemented by the NEXA digital platform, which provides MSMEs access to export services and financial tools.
“We are also preparing to onboard SME clients onto the African Trade Gateway (ATG) to enhance market access, streamline payments, and boost intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework,” he added.
Bello applauded GIZ for its longstanding partnership with NEXIM, citing their shared commitment to inclusive economic growth. He also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders including NEPC, SMEDAN, AEA, NASME, WACCIMA, NIWAB, and NEF, among others.
“This forum is not just an event; it marks the start of a new journey. I urge all participants to engage actively and seize the opportunities presented,” Bello stated.
A GIZ representative commended NEXIM’s leadership in expanding non-oil exports and revealed that the sensitization campaign will continue in Edo, Plateau, and Lagos States. “Our collaboration underscores our shared goal of equipping MSMEs with the skills, finance, and market access they need to thrive in export markets,” the representative said.
GIZ, a German federal enterprise operating in Nigeria for over 50 years, works under the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to promote sustainable economic development, including projects under the SEDIN Programme and through ECOWAS regional partnerships.
Encouraging MSME participants, the GIZ representative concluded, “Engage, learn, and apply the insights shared today. With initiatives like EXCEL, we can build an inclusive, export-driven MSME sector that powers Nigeria’s diversification and long-term growth.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
