The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tripling non-oil revenue generation within the next 18 months. Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director of NEPC, made this announcement while addressing exporters and stakeholders in Kano.
Ayeni informed stakeholders about the government’s determination to overcome challenges hindering the smooth promotion of exports from Nigeria, expressing NEPC’s readiness to encourage more participants in the industry. She disclosed that the government is streamlining 15 agro-products from farm to market, aiming to enhance production and export viability. The selected products include sesame seeds, peanuts, cashews, sorghum, beans, and hibiscus flowers.
While emphasising that the initiative to triple non-oil revenue does not neglect other products, Ayeni noted that special attention would be given to the chosen items. The Federal Government is actively supporting the establishment of processing companies to add value to agricultural products, fostering job creation, economic diversification, and increased foreign earnings.
Ayeni stressed that the government’s commitment aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of the present administration, focusing on the actualization of its core mandate: the diversification of the economy through the promotion and development of non-oil products for export.
Addressing concerns about the rejection of the country’s products abroad, Ayeni assured stakeholders that the government would establish laboratories, packaging, and aggregation centres at Free Trade Zones (FTZs) to standardise products before export. She announced plans to set up foundation factories and laboratory centres at FTZs, targeting challenges related to product rejection and low quality. The NEPC has set an 18-month target to make a significant impact on the nation’s export efforts.
During the interactive session, exporters raised concerns about multiple taxes, complex processes, bottlenecks in product certification, and challenges related to product rejection. Stakeholders welcomed the planned establishment of laboratories, anticipating that it would alleviate difficulties faced at the port.
