The Oyo State Government says it is strengthening the capacity of farmers, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and exporters to take advantage of Nigeria’s growing non-oil export market.
The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, disclosed this in Ibadan at a one-day workshop and sensitisation programme on non-oil exportable products.
The initiative was timely, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on crude oil revenue and expand its presence in international markets. Adelabu said.
He explained that producing goods for export was only the first step, stressing that “businesses seeking to compete globally must understand and comply with international requirements.”
According to him, these include quality standards, certification, packaging, labelling, export procedures, documentation, logistics, pricing and market requirements.
The Commissioner said “the state government was committed to creating an enabling business environment that would allow local producers and enterprises to expand their operations and compete effectively in domestic, regional and international markets.”
The programme was part of broader efforts to strengthen the capacity of Oyo-based businesses to convert locally produced goods into commercially viable export products, he said
Adelabu said that “the initiative would potentially increase the businesses’ access to international markets and boost their foreign exchange earnings.”
He noted that Oyo State, like other parts of Nigeria, had a wide range of agricultural and manufactured products with export potential.
The Commissioner, however, said many businesses continued to face challenges relating to standards, certification, market access and knowledge of export procedures.
He said equipping producers and exporters with the necessary knowledge and skills would help address some of the barriers limiting their participation in international trade.
Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for them to contribute more significantly to Nigeria’s non-oil export economy.
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