NEPC awards BAT Nigeria for export innovation

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has recognised BAT Nigeria for its outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s economy as one of the country’s top-performing non-oil exporters.

The event, held in Lagos, which brought together prominent leading players in the non-oil export sector, served as a platform to celebrate their role in fostering economic growth and diversifying the nation’s revenue streams.

Among the distinguished guests were the Minister of Trade and Investment, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, and the Director-General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke.

This exclusive gathering provided a critical forum for key stakeholders and government officials to exchange insights on the challenges facing non-oil exporters, fostering dialogue around practical solutions to accelerate sector development.

Discussions centered on overcoming bottlenecks in trade operations and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian exports, which play a vital role in generating foreign exchange and driving national economic sustainability.

BAT Nigeria’s contributions to the economy are both extensive and impactful, investing over $185 million in its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The company also ensures world-class production capacity and exporting to 13 West African countries including the USA

BAT Nigeria also generates approximately $110 million annually in foreign exchange through exports, supporting Nigeria’s balance of trade.

Speaking on behalf of the company, the External Affairs Director, BAT West and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, expressed her gratitude for the government’s recognition and reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration between exporters and regulatory bodies.

“It is encouraging that the government acknowledges the efforts of non-oil exporters in supporting Nigeria’s economic progress. Having the Minister of Trade and Investment, the SON Director-General, and the NEPC CEO engage directly with us – exporters is a positive step towards identifying the bottlenecks we face and finding actionable solutions,” she remarked.

She also stressed the critical need for enhanced government support, particularly regarding Export Expansion Grants (EEGs), which she identified as a key incentive for exporters to remain competitive globally.

“To compete effectively on the global stage, exporters need robust incentives. Without such commendable initiatives and incentives like the export expansion grants, the business environment could become less attractive for manufacturers to expand their export businesses and operations.

“Unfortunately, the backlog of EEG payments, some dating back to 2009—remains a pressing issue, with 39 exporters awaiting payments of over N60 billion. Resolving these outstanding grants is imperative to sustaining export activities for manufacturers in Nigeria.”

She further emphasized the importance of exporters having unrestricted access to their proceeds.

“For exporters to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, access to export proceeds should be seamless. A stronger partnership between the government and exporters is necessary to unlock opportunities, create jobs, and spur economic growth,” she said.

During the event, stakeholders from across the non-oil export landscape reaffirmed their collective commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigerian government.

Their shared goal is to create a thriving export ecosystem that enhances Nigeria’s economic resilience and positions the country competitively in global markets.

The NEPC event marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward aligning the priorities of the government and non-oil exporters.

It underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in ensuring that the export sector continues to flourish, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s long-term economic prosperity.