NEPC partners Niger towards harnessing potentials of commodity export
By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is in partnership with the Niger state government in ensuring the processing of some of its agricultural products for export to boost the state economy.
The Executive Director of the Council, Dr. Ezra Yakusar stated this on Thursday in Minna in a stakeholders engagement forum.
He said, “Niger State is at an advantage with the large land mass and availability of most of these agricultural products left untapped that can feed the global market, with the right policies, documentation, financing and quality assurance of these products there would be a remarkable boost in economic activities in the state”.
Represented by the Niger state Coordinator of NEPC, Mr Bello Ibrahim Noma, the executive director explained that the forum was aimed at fostering a collaborative environment where all Stakeholders would share insights and explore opportunities that will drive export in the state to new heights.
Dr. Yakusar explained that exports play a pivotal role in the growth and prosperity of any economy by creating jobs and increase the foreign exchange repatriated, adding that the council is committed towards assisting agric- businesses in Niger state to add value to their products to access international markets.
He said, ” According to National Bureau of Statistics, Agricultural Commodities exported in the first quarter of 2023, generated N279.64 billion in revenue from commodities like Cocoa, Sesame, Cashew, Soyabeans, Shea and their value added products mostly exported to countries like the Netherlands, China, Malysia, Indonesia, Belgium, Germany and Italy”.
Speaking in an Interview with Journalists, the state Coordinator Bello Noma said the theme of the forum, “unlocking the Potentials of Agric- Business in Niger State for Export’’ was carefully crafted and geared towards addressing key challenges in trade policies in the state including market Access, quality issues and financial opportunities available that will help navigate through the ever-evolving global trade landscape.
