FG, States partner to drive non oil export

Federal and states governments in the country have decided to set up an inter ministerial committee to work out measures to boost export of made in Nigeria products. The committee is to identify overseas market for Nigeria producers. The committee was set up at a National Economic Council meeting dominated by presentations and discussions on how Nigeria can significantly improve and drive its non-oil exports,

According to the office of the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, National Economic Council directed the composition of a National Committee on Export Promotion to review several ideas and suggestions tabled at the meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Speaking at the NEC, composed of State Governors, FCT Minister and the Central Bank Governor, Prof. Osinbajo who chairs the Council expressed delight at “the robust discussions and the many useful suggestions made,” adding that both the Federal and State governments would work together to promote non-oil Nigerian exports.

He said “Whatever the FG is required to do, will we do and States should also take ownership,” noting that both government levels must sit together, work together and assist each other. He then announced a Committee of NEC consisting of three State Governors: Jigawa, Lagos and Ebonyi and the federal ministers from Industry, Trade & Investment, Agriculture & Rural Development, Power, Works & Housing, Transportation and Finance.

Other members of the Export Promotion Committee of NEC are  the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, NEXIM Bank, and the CBN. Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Mohammed B. Abubakar is the Chairman, and Industry, Trade & Investment Minister, Dr. Okey Enelamah is Co-Chair. The Committee is expected to submit an initial report by November and come up with a concise action plan on how to drive non-oil exports based on the presentations and discussions of Council at the meeting.