Plateau Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Yakubu Idi, on Wednesday in Jos commended the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) for its consistent efforts at boosting non-oil exports in the state.
Speaking at a symposium as part of activities marking the 2023 NEPC’s “Export Week’’ he assured that the ministry would collaborate with the Ministry of Information to sensitise Plateau people about the benefits of exports.
“I must commend the NEPC for its tireless efforts at boosting the interests of Plateau people and those of other Nigerians in export business.
“It has consistently organised trainings and manpower development programmes for the people of Plateau to boost production and export.
“We shall collaborate with the Ministry of Information to create more awareness on export since the people really do not have sufficient information about it.
“Fortunately, Plateau is blessed with more than enough resources to engage in non-oil exports,’’ he said.
In his remarks, NEPC’s Regional Coordinator, Mr Samson Idowu said one of the objectives of the “Export Week’’ was to keep the “Export4Survival’’ campaign alive in the minds of Nigerians.
“The `Export Week’ is a continuation of our engagements with critical stakeholders and discerning members of the public to keep the campaign on exports on the front burner of national discourse.
“We envisage that the `Export Week’ will provide a path for businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs to look out for new opportunities in the export sector.
“It is vital for businesses to have the support and information they need to become successful,’’ he said.
One of the panellists at the symposium, Mrs Pam Tok, called on governments to be proactive in the “Export4Survival’’ campaign and admonished stakeholders to engage in advocacy to help the export sector to thrive.
Tok cited Ghana’s thriving export business as the result of the commitment by its government.
She said Nigeria needed to go from roundtable discussions to active engagement by bringing professionals and relevant stakeholders together to boost the non-oil export sector. (NAN)
