Tinubu Signs Export Prohibition Repeal Bill To Boost Agricultural Trade
Presidential Assent Ends Decades-Old Export Restrictions
NIGERIA has taken a major step toward expanding its agricultural export potential following the signing of the Export (Prohibition) Act (Repeal) Bill 2025 into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The new legislation repeals the long-standing Export (Prohibition) Act of 1989, which restricted the export of several agricultural commodities from Nigeria. The reform is expected to stimulate agricultural production, encourage agro-processing and support the federal government’s drive to diversify the economy away from oil.
The bill was sponsored by Francis Ejiroghene Waive, who represents Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives of Nigeria, and co-sponsored by Jimi Benson.
Lawmaker Hails Reform as Major Economic Boost
In a statement following the presidential assent, Waive described the repeal as a landmark reform capable of unlocking new opportunities within Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
According to the lawmaker, the 1989 export prohibition law had gradually become outdated and counterproductive, preventing farmers and agro-based industries from taking advantage of international markets.
He noted that agricultural commodities such as beans, cassava, maize, rice and yam—along with their derivatives—are already exported informally through ports in neighbouring West African countries. As a result, Nigeria has been losing significant foreign exchange earnings that could otherwise strengthen its economy.
Waive explained that removing the legal restrictions would now allow Nigerian producers to compete openly in the global agricultural market.
Opportunities for Farmers and Agro-Processors
With the repeal now in effect, farmers and agro-processors are expected to benefit from improved market access and greater incentives to expand production.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that the new legislation would encourage farmers to increase cultivation while enabling agro-processing companies to scale up operations to meet international demand.
Industry stakeholders believe the policy could also stimulate investments in agricultural infrastructure such as storage, transportation, and processing facilities, all of which are essential for competitive export operations.
Waive further stated that opening up export channels would help Nigeria tap into the growing global demand for agricultural products while strengthening rural economies where farming remains the primary source of livelihood.
Aligning With Economic Diversification Goals
The repeal aligns with the broader economic diversification agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which has repeatedly emphasised the importance of agriculture in reducing dependence on crude oil revenue.
Nigeria has long relied heavily on oil exports, making the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Policymakers have therefore been pushing for reforms that promote non-oil exports, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing and services.
Waive said the repeal of the export prohibition law could help position Nigeria as a major agricultural export hub within Africa and beyond.
Appreciation for Legislative Support
The lawmaker also commended President Tinubu for giving his assent to the bill, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to economic reforms that promote growth and productivity.
He equally thanked members of the National Assembly for supporting the bill throughout the legislative process, noting that bipartisan collaboration was instrumental to its eventual passage.
According to him, the new law represents an important milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural policy framework and could significantly improve the country’s ability to generate foreign exchange from non-oil exports.
