The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr Ezra Yakusak says the Council is more than ever before, detremined to reposition the Export sector for better performance.
Mr Yakusak said this during a Media retreat for Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Executive Director said there was a need to promote the “Export4Survival” campaign which he stated was a patriotic call for all Nigerians to realise the urgency of engaging in non-oil export trade as a viable means of economic growth, poverty allieviation, industrial development and boosting our foreign exchange earnings.
According to him, “There is no doubt that the theme of this retreat ‘Diversification of the Economy: The Role of NEPC’ complements the Council’s strategic communications which seeks to position the Council as a unique brand that aims to create a set of positive perceptions that not only represents what we stand for which is to spearhead the diversification of the Nigerian Economy by expanding and increasing non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive growth, but also the essence of what will be delivered or experienced by the exporting community and discerning public.”
The Director of Product Development, Evelyn Obidike during the retreat said the department currently seeks to ensure that there is value chain export development which guarantees that value is added to various produce before export instead of exporting raw materials.
“By the time value addition is achieved not only will we gain premium pricing we also will be able to break into international market and also export to big chains like the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.” She said
“So the emphasies of the Nigerian Promotion Council now is value addition which will in turn create jobs.”
Also, the Director, policy and strategy, Mr Lawal Dalhat while speaking on the milestones achieved by his department said there is an ongoing partnership between the council and the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, CBI, in the Netherlands that ensure export from developing countries in to the Netherlands.
“The programme is on the sustainability of ginger for export through the Netherlands and the EU which is for a period of 5 years between 2021 to 2025 we have gone far in the implementation of the programme and what the programme aims to achieve is that our ginger which is one of the best in the world gets is rightful position in the EU market.” He said.
Also the Deputy Director, International Export Office, Mr Peter Ojuku explained that through his department disclosed that the council is establishing Nigeria Export Trade Houses in seven countries of which three have been established in Togo, Egypt and Kenya.
He stated that other countries include; Canada, South Africa, China and the United Arab Emirate.
Mr Ojuku said, “The essence of the trade houses is to create market for the Nigerian Products in those countries and other countries within the region, each one will target a region where we know Nigeria will have a sizable market”.
Hauwa Abu
