We’ve Supported 2,000 Small, Medium Enterprises, Says NEPC Chief

Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Executive Director, Prof. Olusegun Awolowo has said that the council has supported no fewer than 2000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through export intervention measures.

The executive director was represented by the Principal Trade Promotion Officer, Export Training Institute, NEPC, Mrs Vero Gbaa stated this on Thursday in Enugu during a  ‘Zero to Export Clinic’ organised by the council for exporters and prospective exporters.

According to Prof Awolowo,  such support was aimed at addressing technical trade barriers and increasing the competitiveness of Nigerian exporters.

He said that the technical support given to the drivers of the benefiting MSMEs was done through the active collaboration of international trade agencies.

He said that the Zero to Export Clinic was conceived to attend to specific knowledge needs of intending and existing exporters.

Prof Awolowo said “Over the years, the Zero to Export programme has proven to be an effective tool employed by the council to introduce companies, individuals and firms into the export business landscape.

“This is because of its unique qualities of mentoring and handholding exporters who may not have had any previous experience in export business,” he said.

According to him, the council has recognised that many companies desires to go into the export business but lack the capacity, competencies and skill to undertake the venture successfully.

“This explains why we have painstakingly designed and invested in worthy knowledge-driven programmes such as the Zero to Export Clinic,” he said.

He said that the programme would help turn out qualitative exporters and position them for the task of growing non-oil export revenue.

“I am aware of the high premium placed by the present administration on economic diversification, especially, in this critical post Coronavirus era,” he said.

He said that the council as the lead Federal Government agency for the promotion of non-oil export was committed to taking the lead towards economic recovery.

“We are committed to developing export-oriented MSMEs and promoting their participation in active export business.

“I implore you to take advantage of this important capacity building programme to improve on your knowledge and understanding of the rudiments and intricacies of the non-oil export business,” Awolowo said.

Also, the NEPC, South-East Regional Coordinator, Mr Arnold Jackson who was represented by the Senior Accountant, NEPC, Enugu, Tajudeen Eleruja said the programme was designed for newly registered exporters, youths and MSMEs with export potentials.

He said that the Zero to Export Clinic would help to create a new generation of Nigerian non-oil exporters through practical and theoretical training.

“By the end of the training today, we should be one step closer to achieving our goal of exporting quality products and services from Nigeria,’ he said.