NEPC Sets For 2nd Conference On Non-Oil Export

By Mathew Ayoola

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has concluded arrangements for its 2nd National Conference on Non-Oil Export in Abuja.

Briefing newsmen ahead of the conference in Abuja, the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Dr Ezra Yakusak said due to the recommendations issued by participants in the first edition of the conference held last year, the Council was able to establish four Export Trade Houses in Cairo, Egypt, Lome in Togo, Nairobi in Kenya and also in Hunan District, China while arrangements are being made to commission that of Dubai in United Arab Emirates to cover the middle east region.

” I take this briefing as an exceptional session because it heralds the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s, NEPC’s, 2nd National Conference on Non-Oil Export which is the first direct public engagement of NEPC with the highest echelon of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since it took over the reins of Government and you will recall that last year, precisely in April 2022, the maiden edition of the National Conference on non-oil export was held in Abuja with the theme “Export for Survival: Optimizing Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Potential” and at the end of that conference a 19-point communique was issued”, he stated.

According to him, the forth coming conference is therefore intended to offer stakeholders the opportunity to take stock of the state of the Non-Oil Export sector, recharge and re-ignite actors in the Non-Oil Export Value Chain to live-up-to their expectations and proffer solutions to the country’s emerging economic and trade challenges.

“The theme of this year’s conference “Building a Sustainable National Economy through Non-oil Export”, aptly reinforces the need to keep the conversation on the revitalization of the economy on the front burner. Expediency dictates that the vagaries and vulnerabilities around oil which has placed uncertainties on what future it beholds, means that Nigeria must seek other ways of diversifying her economy and in this regard, consistent stakeholders engagement, using the Conference as a pivot for galvanizing policy makers, economic pundits, development partners and more importantly the exporting community is key to proffering solutions to some of the challenges affecting the sector, especially in the area of trade facilitation, access to affordable finance and the issue of infrastructural deficit” the NEPC Boss explained.

He therefore solicited the support of all stakeholders most especially the media to advance the course of the sector in search of earning better forex, creating more wealth and employment, and diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from the sole dependence on crude oil.

“May I inform you that, His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has magnanimously agreed to deliver the keynote address and declare the Conference open while other dignataries who are expected to grace the occasion include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Governor of Benue State, Rev Father Hyacinth Alia, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr. Doris Anite and her counterparts in the Federal Ministry of Transportation Senator Saidu Alkali and the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr Zaphaniah Jisalo”. Dr Yakusak stressed.

He emphasized that on the sidelines of the Conference, there will be an exhibition of exportable products with sixty export manufacturing companies who had been selected from over two hundred qualified companies that applied while Products on display will cover several sectors including manufacturing, agro – commodities, solid minerals, arts and crafts and service all from Nigerian origin.

“In conclusion, I am therefore, optimistic that in no distant years, the Non-oil Export sector will not only be a significanIt contributor to our Gross Domestic Product, GDP, but also guarantee a prosperous future for all Nigerians – a future that offers opportunities and endless possibilities for sustainable economic growth” Dr. Yakusak added.

Edited By Grace Namiji