The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nonye Ayeni, has described Nigeria’s current economic landscape as a “golden” opportunity for investment.
Speaking during the third national conference on non-oil export in Abuja, Ayeni announced NEPC’s goal to certify 400 additional export firms, to meet global standards and drive significant revenue growth through non-oil exports.
Addressing participants at the conference, themed “Promoting Non-Oil Export for Rapid National Economic Growth,” Ayeni revealed that NEPC has already distributed 57,625 export-quality cashew, cocoa, and sesame seeds to 9,230 farmers across Nigeria’s 36 states.
This initiative, she said, aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda to diversify the economy through industrialization, digitization, and innovation across multiple sectors.
“Global economic shifts and fluctuations in oil demand emphasise the need for Nigeria to pivot towards non-oil sectors.
“Our country’s huge resources in agriculture, solid minerals, technology, and manufactured goods offer enormous opportunities for long-term economic growth.The current economic scenario provides an excellent opportunity for diversification,” she added.
Ayeni attributed Nigeria’s recent 6.26 percent growth in non-oil export revenues, which will total $2.7 billion in the first half of 2024, to the NEPC’s “Operation Double Your Export” effort and supportive policies under the president’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
She emphasised the council’s commitment to increasing exports through initiatives such as “Export 35 Redefined” and the “Go Global, Go for Certification Campaign,” as well as support for value chain improvements in critical sectors.”
She underlined the council’s support for value chain enhancements in important industries as well as its dedication to increasing exports through initiatives like “Export 35 Redefined” and the “Go Global, Go for Certification Campaign.”
Ayeni also acknowledged challenges, particularly in informal trade, including infrastructure deficits, multiple checkpoints along borders, and inconsistent payment systems, adding that the NEPC is working with stakeholders to develop border information centers, data collection systems, and improved market intelligence to streamline trade activities.
