Export Readiness and International Market Entry of SMEs in Ogun State’s Manufacturing Sector

This study assesses the export readiness of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, examining the capabilities, knowledge gaps, and institutional support received by firms considering or attempting entry into international markets. Ogun State is one of Nigeria's most industrialised states, hosting manufacturing enterprises across food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and consumer goods, and its geographic proximity to the Lagos port corridor makes it a natural base for SME export development. The study employs a descriptive survey design, administering an export readiness assessment instrument to 180 SME owners and managers drawn from the Sagamu, Ota, and Agbara industrial zones. The instrument assessed product quality certification, packaging standards, capacity utilisation, market intelligence, logistics readiness, and regulatory knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and composite export readiness scoring. Findings indicate that fewer than 30 percent of sampled firms meet minimum export readiness criteria on the composite index. The most significant readiness gaps are in international product quality certification, export documentation knowledge, and foreign market intelligence. Physical production capacity and product quality are relatively stronger dimensions. Firms that have received support from the Nigeria Export Promotion Council show significantly higher readiness scores, but NEPC outreach to Ogun State SMEs is limited. Recommendations include a dedicated Ogun State Export Enterprise Development Programme delivered in partnership with NEPC and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, focusing on certification, documentation, and market intelligence for export-ready SMEs. Keywords: export readiness, SME, Ogun State, international market entry, manufacturing.