The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, on Tuesday described Nigeria’s current economic state as “golden” for investments
This is just as she announced plans to certify an additional 400 exporting firms to meet global standards and enhance revenue generation for the economy.
Speaking at the third national conference on non-oil export in Abuja, Ayeni highlighted that 57,625 exportable agricultural commodities have been distributed to 9,230 farmers across the 36 states.
The conference, themed “Promoting Non-Oil Export for Rapid National Economic Growth,” aligns with the present administration’s agenda of economic diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
“As we all know, the global economy is evolving, and the demand for oil is experiencing fluctuations. Our over-reliance on oil exports and the need to explore vast opportunities in non-oil sectors guided the establishment of the NEPC 48 years ago.
“Our country is rich in resources, both human and natural, especially in agriculture, solid minerals, manufactured goods, technology, and more, which can significantly contribute to our economic growth.
“The current state of the country’s economy, from the perspective of a Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) like the NEPC, offers a golden opportunity to diversify Nigeria’s productive base through non-oil exports. This is evident from the Renewed Hope Agenda’s efforts towards economic diversification, which directly impacts the non-oil export sector,” she said.
Ayeni attributed the 6.26 percent increase in Nigeria’s non-oil export earnings, amounting to $2.7bn in the first half of 2024, to policy strides by the president and the NEPC’s “Operation Double Your Export” initiative, alongside efforts from strategic stakeholders.
Highlighting NEPC achievements, she mentioned initiatives such as “Operation Double Your Export,” “Export 35 Redefined,” “NEPC Connect,” “Go Global, Go for Certification Campaign,” and “Export Intervention and Farm Input Support Scheme,” all of which have boosted non-oil exports and foreign exchange earnings for inclusive economic growth and job creation.
She added, “The Council has freely implemented certifications like HACCP, FDA, ISO 22000, and Halal for about 400 exporting firms, including women-owned businesses.
“Under the ‘Operation Double Your Exports’ campaign, the Council has embarked on another round of free certification for 400 companies, targeting exporters of agricultural commodities and MSMEs producing value-added products, especially processed food items.”
Ayeni explained that NEPC has collaborated with relevant agencies to build capacity for good agricultural practices, labeling, packaging, and adherence to quality standards.
“The path to a diversified economy is not without challenges, but together, we can navigate these waters,” Ayeni said.