The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Segun Awolowo, says the Federal Government is committed to increasing the total value and volume of non-oil exports.
Awolowo, represented by Mr Christian Elekwa, NEPC North-Central Regional Coordinator, stated this on Thursday in Minna at a sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the SheTrades Commonwealth Project in Nigeria.
According to Awolowo, the present economic realities in the country had made it necessary to diversify the economy from its sole dependence on oil.
He said that the NEPC was focused on providing support services to exporters in the value chain of game-changing products such as cashew, cassava, shea butter, sesame seeds, yam and palm oil.
“NEPC is repositioned and strategically focused to provide the needed export support services to all exporters and operators in the value chain of those game-changing products like cashew, cassava and shea butter.
“The zero-oil plan and the one state product strategy already incorporated in the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan are geared towards creating employment for our youths.
“They are also targeted at boosting Nigeria’s foreign exchange. Our offices are always open to assist and collaborate with all stakeholders in this regard,’’ he said.
The NEPC boss said that the SheTrades initiative aimed at connecting 200,000 Nigeria women-owned businesses to the global market.
The SheTrades initiative aims at increasing economic growth and job creation in Commonwealth countries by enabling increased participation of women-owned businesses in international trade.
“You will recall that in July 2016, the International Trade Centre (ITC) launched the Nigeria Chapter of the SheTrades initiative in Abuja,.
“Nigeria signed up to the ITC’s “Call to Action’’ aimed at connecting 200,000 Nigeria women-owned businesses to the global market at the inauguration of the initiative.
“This is part of the broader United Nations’ goal of connecting one million women to the market by 2020,’’ he said.
Awolowo stressed the need to mainstream women in economic activities and make women business enterprises significant contributors to the nation’s economy and revenue base.
“Today, we are focusing on partnering on better integrating women into the economic fabric of Nigeria.
“The NEPC, as the Federal Agency responsible for the promotion of non-oil exports, do not only want to see Nigeria thrive in a world of `Zero-Oil’, we also want this done holistically and inclusively to diversify our productive capabilities.
“We must join other countries by working together to boldly make women-owned businesses significant contributor to the country’s economy,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Malam Hassan Bala, Trade Promotion Advisor, NEPC Minna, revealed that over 300 women from across the North-Central region were attending the workshop.
Bala said that with the SheTrades initiative, Nigeria had a unique opportunity to access a marginalised group capable of leading and moving the country forward.
He charged the women to take advantage of the workshop to enhance the transformation of the Nigerian exports sector to become a significant contributor to the nation’s economy.
“You will agree with me that Nigeria is a land of opportunities among which are the enormous opportunities that exist in non-oil business.
“But before you can be active player in this field, you need to arm yourself with adequate knowledge of how to plug into the system.
“I, therefore, implore you all to take advantage of the meaningful discussions that will take place in this workshop,’’ Bala said.
