Olusegun “Segun” Awolowo Jr. is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and public administrator who played a significant role in advancing Nigeria’s non‑oil export agenda and regional trade integration. His leadership of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) marked a period of heightened emphasis on economic diversification, export development, and increased participation of non‑oil sectors in the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
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He is the grandson of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist leaders. While his family legacy provided a backdrop of public service, his own career was defined by legal expertise and practical engagement in economic policy and trade promotion.
Early Life and Education
Born on 27 September 1963, Segun Awolowo Jr. lost his father in infancy and was raised in a family noted for civic engagement. He studied law at the University of Jos and was called to the Nigerian Bar, qualifying as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His legal training and practice provided the foundation for his subsequent roles in public administration and trade advocacy.
Before assuming leadership positions in federal agencies, he practised law in prominent legal firms, gaining experience in legal advisory and due diligence, which helped shape his approach to public administration and economic policy.
Career in Public Administration
Awolowo Jr.’s early career included advisory and administrative roles in the federal government. He served as Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo, focusing on matters related to governance, and later held positions in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) overseeing social development and transport. These roles offered exposure to governance, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation, shaping his collaborative approach to public service.
Leadership at NEPC (2013–2022)
In 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Awolowo Jr. as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, the federal agency tasked with promoting Nigeria’s non‑oil exports. He was reappointed in 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari, reflecting confidence in his leadership across administrations.
At NEPC, he championed the Zero Oil Plan, a strategic initiative to diversify Nigeria’s economy by boosting non‑oil export sectors, particularly agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The plan aimed to increase foreign exchange earnings from non‑oil sources, create jobs, and reduce dependency on petroleum revenues.
Key priorities under his leadership included:
- Support for SMEs: Capacity-building programmes, access to market intelligence, and facilitation of trade finance to expand non‑oil exports.
- Global Trade Participation: Representing Nigeria at international trade fairs and exhibitions to promote non‑oil products abroad.
- Policy and Regulatory Reform: Streamlining export procedures and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks to create an enabling environment for exporters.
- Trade Infrastructure: Promoting investments in logistics, warehousing, and supply chain management to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
These initiatives strengthened Nigeria’s export infrastructure, enhanced participation in global trade, and supported the growth of non‑oil export sectors.
Regional and International Roles
In July 2021, Awolowo Jr. was elected President of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisations (TPO) Network, representing trade promotion agencies from member states. He worked to harmonise trade promotion strategies, enhance regional integration, and facilitate intra‑regional trade.
In December 2022, he was appointed Secretary of Nigeria’s National Action Committee on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), coordinating national efforts to benefit from continental trade integration and expanding regional market opportunities.
Economic and Social Impact
Awolowo Jr.’s leadership bridged legal frameworks and economic policy. By emphasizing regulatory clarity, institutional partnerships, and capacity building for exporters, he reinforced the connection between governance and trade competitiveness. His programmes provided practical support for exporters, including training, access to finance, and market intelligence, contributing to increased non‑oil export activity in several sectors.
Although it is difficult to isolate precise quantitative impact, his initiatives helped raise the profile of Nigeria’s non‑oil exports and fostered broader institutional engagement with economic diversification goals.
Legacy and Influence
Awolowo Jr. exemplifies the integration of legal expertise, administrative skill, and strategic vision. While his family name carries historical significance, his career achievements stand on their own merit, distinguished by policy leadership, cross‑ministerial collaboration, and regional advocacy.
His tenure at NEPC and roles in regional trade networks demonstrate how legal and policy knowledge can shape economic outcomes, offering a model for combining technical expertise with public sector leadership.
Post‑Colonial Context
Awolowo Jr.’s career unfolded within post‑colonial institutional frameworks. Nigeria’s legal, administrative, and trade systems, which evolved from colonial structures, were adapted to serve national development goals. His work illustrates how contemporary leaders leverage inherited institutions to pursue economic transformation while building indigenous capacity.
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Author’s Note
Olusegun Awolowo Jr. has played a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s non‑oil trade and regional economic integration. Through legal proficiency, administrative competence, and strategic leadership, he strengthened export infrastructure, supported SME growth, and contributed to policy reforms. His legacy underscores the importance of institutional innovation, effective governance, and professional expertise in national economic development.
References
Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Annual Reports, 2013–2016
Independent reports on leadership impact and ECOWAS Trade Promotion Network
Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) press releases on national AfCFTA committee appointments
