NEPC, private sector, to chart new course for non-oil export

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and members of the organised private sector have met in Abuja on strategies to improve the non-oil sector of the Nigerian economy. Mr Femi Boyede, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Trade and Investment disclosed this to newsmen weekend. Boyede said the meeting between NEPC and the private sector operators was to examine problems associated with Nigeria’s non-oil export promotion.

He said the meeting was to harmonise the private sector and NEPC position on the proposed programmes to promote export of Nigerian non-oil products. He said the meeting proposed a conference of stakeholders to examine the potential of Nigeria’s non-oil export with a view to organising an exhibition of products and recognise the sponsors of the drive. He announced that the conference has been scheduled for November.

Boyede said all relevant agencies of government would cooperate toward having a common understanding to boost the growth of the sector. According to him, the organisers are looking forward to the sponsorship of the event because it will be a good platform to promote the advocacy of export of manufacturers’ products, including new ones. “ The annual meeting is to provide the basis where all the players in the non-oil sectors will meet to address and chart action plan for the next 12 months. By its concept, the Nigerian non oil export exhibition and award is actually a platform for public and private sector to collaborate and dialogue on issues concerning the non oil export in Nigeria. ’’

Boyede explained that the exhibition would showcase not only existing export products and services but also potentials and services. He said the organisation would focus on specific countries to attract either existing or potential trading partners. He added that the European Union delegation in Nigeria, the ECOWAS Commission and other trading groups of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria were partners in the project.