NEPC to boost non-oil exports, enhance global competitiveness

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting non-oil exports through reforms designed to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in regional and global markets.

NEPC Managing Director, Nonye Ayeni, made this pledge at a recent stakeholders’ town hall, held at the council’s Southwest office in Lagos, under the ‘Double Your Export’ initiative.

She said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and was aimed at expanding Nigeria’s non-oil export base, increasing foreign exchange earnings and creating jobs.

According to her, it would also strengthen the country’s position in the global export market.

She said: “We are working closely with exporters, industry players and relevant government agencies to address challenges affecting the sector, improve product quality and standards, and unlock new opportunities for Nigerian businesses in international markets.”

She noted that Nigeria recorded significant growth in non-oil exports, reaching more countries and expanding the range of exported products.

Ayeni urged stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, while identifying high production costs, poor infrastructure, limited access to finance and compliance with international standards as key challenges facing exporters.

Touching on the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) programme, she said significant progress had been made on outstanding claims for 2021 and 2022 and all exporters would be duly attended to.

She expressed confidence that the Federal Government would announce the payment of the outstanding EEG claims in the coming weeks.

Exporters listed the numerous challenges they had been facing trying to export goods and called for easier export documentation, faster port clearance, improved transport infrastructure and greater access to export financing.

They also urged increased awareness of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand Nigeria’s export market.