Anglia International Services Ltd., a non-oil pre-shipment inspection and certification company, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise investment in rail infrastructure to support the sustained growth of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
The call was made by the company’s Executive Director, Mr Stephen Dawodu, during a virtual interview with journalists in Lagos, where he spoke on the firm’s recent attainment of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification and broader challenges facing exporters.
Dawodu said improved rail connectivity would enable faster, cheaper, and more efficient movement of agricultural produce from farms and aggregation centres to ports, helping Nigeria consolidate recent gains in non-oil exports. He noted that high haulage costs and overreliance on road transport continue to erode the competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets.
“Efficient rail infrastructure will significantly reduce the cost of moving export-bound goods, ease pressure on our road networks, and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian exports,” Dawodu said. “Without reliable logistics, the progress we are seeing in the non-oil sector will be difficult to sustain.”
Anglia International Services provides pre-shipment inspection and certification services to exporters, helping them comply with international trade regulations and quality requirements. According to Dawodu, the company also supports government efforts to improve documentation, traceability, and transparency in export processes, thereby reducing revenue leakages.
He said the firm’s ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects its commitment to global best practices and operational efficiency. ISO 9001:2015 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management systems, designed to help organisations consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while improving internal processes and service delivery.
Dawodu said the certification, combined with policy reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has contributed to improved performance in the non-oil export sector. He noted that regulatory clarity and process reforms have helped build confidence among exporters and service providers operating in the value chain.
“The ISO certification strengthens our internal controls and service standards, while the ongoing reforms in the sector are creating a more structured and transparent export environment,” he said. “Together, these factors are supporting growth and encouraging more participants to enter the non-oil export space.”
He commended the Federal Government for establishing export hubs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, describing the initiative as a positive step toward decentralising export activities and reducing bottlenecks at major ports. According to him, the hubs have helped exporters access shared infrastructure, testing facilities, and regulatory support closer to production areas.
Dawodu cited available data showing that non-oil exports rose to N9.2 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, representing a 48 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. He said the figures demonstrate the sector’s growing contribution to foreign exchange earnings and economic diversification.
Despite the gains, Dawodu expressed concern that infrastructure deficits remain a major constraint. He pointed to poor road conditions and limited rail coverage as persistent challenges that increase transit times, raise logistics costs, and expose goods to damage and delays.
“Road transport alone cannot carry the burden of a growing export economy,” he said. “Expanded rail transport will not only make haulage more affordable but also reduce wear and tear on roads, lower maintenance costs, and improve overall logistics efficiency.”
He added that better rail connectivity would be particularly beneficial for bulk agricultural exports, which are often time-sensitive and cost-sensitive. According to him, delays and high transport costs reduce margins for exporters and weaken Nigeria’s ability to compete with other exporting countries.
In addition to rail development, Dawodu called for the construction of an additional seaport in the North-Central zone, supported by rail links and well-developed road infrastructure. He said such a facility would unlock export potential in the region, reduce congestion at existing ports, and shorten transit routes for exporters operating far from coastal areas.
“A North-Central seaport, properly connected by rail and road, would be a game-changer for exporters in that region,” he said. “It would lower logistics costs, attract investment, and significantly boost national export revenue.”
Dawodu said a coordinated approach to infrastructure development is critical if Nigeria is to sustain momentum in the non-oil export sector. He urged policymakers to align rail, road, and port investments with the needs of exporters and agribusinesses, noting that logistics efficiency is as important as production capacity.
As Nigeria continues to pursue economic diversification, industry stakeholders say the focus on quality standards, regulatory reform, and infrastructure development will determine the long-term success of non-oil exports. For companies like Anglia International Services, Dawodu said the priority remains supporting exporters to meet global standards while advocating for the infrastructure needed to move Nigerian goods competitively to global markets.