Export4Survival Project: NEPC Deepens Partnership With MDAs

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) said it has deepened its partnership with agencies of government to create awareness for its Export4Survival campaign project in 36 states of the federation as part of strategic collaboration to promote the export of Made-in-Nigerian products as a viable means of economic growth, poverty alleviation, industrial development, employment generation and boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Executive director, NEPC, Ezra Yakusak, who dropped this hint at a media retreat organised for members of Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria, (CICAN), in Abuja, yesterday, said the collaboration is tailored towards rejuvenating the nation’s fragile economy in the wake of dwindling revenue from crude oil.

Yakusak further said the retreat with the theme: “Diversification of the Economy: The Role of NEPC,” “further provides a veritable platform for informing the public of the agency’s resolve to change the narratives and position the non-oil sector as the tonic for rejuvenating the nation’s fragile economy.

“It also has the propensity in building brand awareness, boost credibility of our programmes and activities as well as generate the desired traffic to all our social media handles.

“It complements the council’s strategic communications which seek to position it as a unique brand that aims to create a set of positive perceptions that not only represents what it stands for.

“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.”

Also speaking, director, Product Development, NEPC, Mrs. Evelyn Obidike, said the Council is making efforts to address issues of proper packaging and labelling which had been an impediment to the country’s exports.

She also said NEPC is working with relevant agencies of government to develop new products such as avocado, groundnut cake, groundnut oil, Shea among others.

According to her, the NEPC’s programme tagged: “Go Global, Get Certified,” is said the Council’s effort at stimulating the export of high-quality products from Nigeria that meets the requisite international standards in terms of quality and certification of Made-in-Nigerian products.

She disclosed that in partnership with SMEDAN, the agency is presently facilitating SMEs acquisition of international certification in order to access niche markets with premium pricing, adding that 100 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country have been certified for export of products.

Also, the deputy director, International Export Office, NEPC, Mr Peter Njoku, disclosed that the Office had been engaging in multi-lateral and bilateral relations aimed at boosting Nigeria’s exports, in addition to market research.

He said exporters should always ensure that their products met the required standards of international buyers before they export.