The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has strengthened Benue’s non-oil export sector through strategic interventions designed to improve the global competitiveness of exporters in the state.
It’s Benue Coordinator, Ms Ann Adulugba, stated this at a sensitization workshop on enhancing exporters’ global competitiveness by leveraging digital tools in Makurdi.
Adulugba said the council had established soybean, sesame seed, shea nut and yam export clusters to improve production, product quality, traceability, aggregation and access to international markets.
She pointed out that the council was also supporting exporters to improve product quality and certification, while providing guidance on export standards, packaging and other requirements for international markets.
According to her, NEPC is promoting new export commodities such as ginger and hibiscus to diversify Benue export portfolio and create additional income opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
She attributed the progress to collaboration with stakeholders, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commodity associations, cooperatives, development partners, government agencies and the private sector.
The coordinator described digital technology as an indispensable tool for accessing global markets, promoting products, connecting with buyers and improving business efficiency.
She urged participants to take advantage of the training and encouraged aspiring exporters to register with the council and obtain an Exporter’s Certificate to access its programmes, advisory services, capacity-building opportunities and market information.
In a presentation titled “The Seven Steps to Export Readiness: A Practical Guide for SMEs and New Exporters“, Mr Iyanuoluwa Ajayi of the NEPC Trade Information Department outlined key requirements for businesses seeking to compete in international markets.
Ajayi identified the seven steps as strategic ambition, market research, market access, product identification and sourcing, product pricing, export finance and export documentation.
He explained that businesses must understand their target markets, comply with international quality standards, adopt competitive pricing strategies, secure appropriate financing and ensure accurate documentation to avoid shipment delays and penalties.
According to him, export readiness is a continuous process that requires careful planning, continuous learning and improvement.
He encouraged businesses to assess their readiness, identify suitable products and target markets, and adopt a strategic approach to exporting.
Also speaking, Mr Taiye Ibiyeye, Senior Trade Promotion Officer in the NEPC Trade Information Department, stressed the need for adequate research before venturing into export to avoid dealing in prohibited products and to ensure compliance with international trade regulations.
In a goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer of Beauty Green Africa Limited, Mrs Alison Amuta, advised business owners to develop strong business profiles and digitalize their operations to improve visibility and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Benue Investment Promotion Agency (BENIPA), Mr Johnpaul Kpenkaan, urged businesses to obtain the necessary certifications and maintain high product quality to meet the expectations of foreign consumers and investors.
Represented by Mr Michael Oguwche, Kpenkaan said quality finishing, standardization and certification remained critical requirements for attracting international buyers and investment opportunities.
Our correspondent reports that several business owners showcased their products during the workshop. (NAN).
