The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says its partnership with the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) under the Nigeria Ginger Sustainability Programme (2021–2025) is boosting Nigeria’s global competitiveness as a source of high-quality, sustainably produced ginger.
NEPC Executive Director/CEO, Nonye Ayeni, made this known in Abuja during a visit by the CBI buyers’ mission, noting that the initiative equips exporters with the skills, tools, and international exposure needed to thrive in the global market.
Ayeni explained that 17 ginger companies and 10 Export Support Officers (ESOs) were selected at the start of the programme, with 14 companies and seven ESOs remaining actively involved. The ESOs, who are NEPC staff members, have served as product specialists, guiding companies through training, compliance procedures, and market-readiness activities.
She noted that in the last four years, participating companies and ESOs have undergone intensive training within the CBI curriculum and joined trade missions to Europe, which successfully linked Nigerian ginger exporters to European Union buyers. All beneficiary companies have also developed company-specific Sectoral Export Marketing Plans (SEMPs), confirming their readiness for sustained international engagement.
Ayeni disclosed that CBI and several European spice companies had visited ginger firms in Lagos and Kano as part of a buyers’ mission, leading to a final buyer-seller meeting in Abuja to facilitate networking, deal-making, and increased exports to the Netherlands and other EU countries.
She welcomed five importing companies from Europe—Jayanti Spices, Verstegen Spices & Sauces, Mintas Specialty Foods, Nedspice, and Martin Baur—who are in Nigeria to deepen their understanding of the ginger value chain and explore sourcing and commercial partnerships.
“For Nigerian exporters, this is an invaluable opportunity to showcase capacity and quality. For visiting buyers, Nigeria offers a vibrant supply base and a sector on the brink of transformation driven by sustainability, improved practices, and strengthened compliance,” Ayeni said.
She added that as the programme enters its concluding phase, the mission reaffirms the potential of Nigeria’s ginger sector to become a global model for sustainable production, structured value-chain development, and mutually beneficial international trade.
The Sonayon Fishermen FADAMA Users Group (FUG) Cooperative has held its maiden Fish Festival in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Access Bank, and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) on Sakogboji Island, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.
With the theme “Empowering fishermen and promoting Nigerian seafood for export growth,” the festival aimed to boost fish and seafood producers’ participation in the export value chain through improved processing, packaging, and access to finance.
Supported by NEPC and financial institutions, the event focused on export readiness and collaboration among stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture.
Acting Regional Coordinator, NEPC Lagos South West, Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, educated fish processors on packaging, labeling, and registration to meet export standards.
“Some of us sell only to local buyers with no proper packaging or labeling,” she said. “We should make smaller packs, ensure clean processing, and maintain quality that meets export expectations.”
She cautioned against poor handling that could discourage buyers. “Fish must be properly dried, free of sand, not burnt, and affordable,” she advised, adding that NAFDAC certification was vital for public consumption and export approval.
On packaging materials, Emmanuel warned: “Don’t use bread nylon; fish bones can puncture it. The nylon must have the right thickness.” She also stressed labeling with nutritional analysis and encouraged registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“Most of us haven’t registered our companies. That’s the first step toward trading abroad and processing export certificates with NEPC,” she added.
Highlighting financial inclusion, she urged participants to open bank accounts. “UBA and Access Bank are here to help you start immediately so your business income can be properly managed,” she said.
She also emphasized hygiene and marketing. “Anyone trading in fish must be neat and use stainless materials that don’t rust. Let’s also use our phones to advertise our businesses,” she said, concluding with logistics advice: “We must plan how our fish gets to the buyers — by air, road, rail, or water — without spoilage.”
Representatives of UBA and Access Bank introduced financial products tailored to fishermen and processors.
UBA’s Mr. Michael Oladele said the bank would help open accounts and provide financial management guidance.
“You don’t need to visit the bank. With your BVN, we’ll open your account and give you a debit card right here. Manage your funds through POS and avoid cash handling,” he said.
He also encouraged formal business structures, adding, “We can assist with CAC registration and offer loans to support your fishing operations.”
Chika Stanley from Access Bank stressed the importance of documentation.
“To access a loan, open a corporate account with us using your BVN, NIN, passport photo, and a utility bill,” she said. “If you don’t have a BVN, we’ll help you register it today.”
Convener of the festival, Hemmu Solomon Akojenu, a grassroots mobilizer and former aide to the local government chairman, described the event as part of efforts to make local fishing more structured and profitable.
“Sagbokoji means Twins Island, an over 100-year-old indigenous fishing community. Our forefathers, ourselves, and our children are fishermen,” he said.
He noted the community’s move from subsistence to commercial fishing. “We’ve fished for survival, but now we’re scaling up through partnerships with government agencies and banks,” he said.
Akojenu lamented environmental challenges driving fish away from coastal waters. “Pollution has pushed fishes deep into the sea. What we used to spend N100 on now costs two or three times more,” he said, blaming city refuse dumped through the Lagos lagoon.
“When the water is dirty, fishes migrate to cleaner areas for survival,” he explained.
He called for government intervention through an environmental task force to stop refuse dumping and for subsidies on nets, engines, and trawlers.
“The government can help by building nearby markets and creating industries that add value to fish, such as spice production,” he suggested.
Akojenu praised NEPC for its support, adding, “If the government helps us, we’ll give back through revenue and taxes, making this collaboration beneficial for everyone.”
…ministry of youth open to partnership – Commissioner
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has urged the Kaduna state government to join hands with it in creating jobs for young people through the non-oil export sector, saying the state has the resources and potential to become a leading player.
Speaking in Kaduna at the Youth Export Development Programme themed “From Passion to Port: Unlocking Youth Export Potential”, NEPC’s Executive Director/CEO, Nonye Ayeni, said the initiative was designed to complement the state’s youth-focused economic programmes.
Represented by the NEPC State Coordinator, Mr. Kajuru Y. Sadoh, Ayeni said Kaduna’s strategic position as an industrial hub, coupled with its abundant produce such as ginger, maize, tomatoes, soybeans and cotton, placed it in a prime position for export growth.
“Our goal is to equip youth-led businesses in Kaduna to compete internationally by integrating more young people into the non-oil export ecosystem,” she said. “This will promote job creation, community development and sustainable economic growth, turning job seekers into wealth creators and employers of labour.”
She added that NEPC remained committed to increasing youth participation in the sector through capacity building, mentorship, advisory and trade facilitation services.
Kaduna State Agricultural Development Agency (KADA) General Manager, Muhammad A. Rili, said the government viewed agriculture not just as a tradition but as a strategic economic driver.
He noted that KADA was helping transform the sector into a modern, technology-driven, export-oriented enterprise, and that young people should see themselves as partners in innovation.
“Kaduna’s youth must not just compete in local markets but dominate global value chains,” Rili said. “We need disciplined urgency, moving fast with purpose, fuelled by innovation, guided by critical thinking and anchored in shared values.”
According to him, KADA works closely with agencies like NEPC to provide training in product quality certification, packaging, compliance with trade requirements, and linking young exporters directly with international buyers.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Gloria Ibrahim, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Al-Amin Murtala Daboh, said the state had reactivated partnerships with reputable local and international organisations to boost creativity, innovation and self-reliance among its youth.
She assured that the ministry was open to collaborations with NEPC to expand skills, entrepreneurship and export opportunities for young people.
In it’s bid to strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export base and formalise informal trade flows, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), West African Cross-border Trade and Agricultural Fair (WACTAF), and other key actors, embarked on a three-day stakeholder engagement across Ṣaki and Okerete in Oyo State.
Held on 9th July, the engagement was part of NEPC’s Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) programme designed to integrate informal exports into Nigeria’s official economic data.
A visit to Okerete—a border community in Saki West LGA that connects Nigeria to Benin Republic—was central to the mission. Okerete is a major trade route for Nigerian exports heading to Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and beyond.
The delegation comprised representatives from NEPC, NCS, NBS, the Oyo Shippers Association, Oyo State Ministry of Trade, and trade advocates including Alhaji Nasiru Salami, Dr. Abdulwaheed Ayobami Omotosho, and Dr. Joe Itah.
Despite the 86km stretch between Ṣaki and Okerete, the delegation endured a six-hour journey due to poor road infrastructure. Along the route, they encountered numerous export activities—particularly trucks loaded with goods, many of which exceed ECOWAS axle load standards.
The team engaged with local stakeholders including traditional rulers, traders, logistics operators, and market consolidators to build consensus for formalizing existing trade practices, collecting accurate data, and enhancing Nigeria’s non-oil export performance.
Acting Regional Coordinator of NEPC (South West, Lagos Office), Mrs Bolanle Emmanuel, emphasised the Council’s mission: “NEPC has the role to mainstream non-oil exports and promote formal export in Nigeria,” she said.
Continuing, Emmanuel said: “We are here to sensitise on the requirements for formal cross-border trade and understand Customs duties and levies. That’s why Customs is here—to guide us. They are our friends.”. Knowledge of required documentation, customs duties and levies will facilitate accurate data capturing and profitable formal export businesses.
On the team was Alhaji Nasiru Salami, an export facilitator, who stressed the need for functional border markets.
“Okerete was chosen for the South-West. Traders from Ṣaki are the ones trading here. If we have functional border markets, the economy and our people will benefit,” he explained.
Representing the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, Mr. Afolabi Bello linked the export agenda to macroeconomic stability. “When the dollar rises against the naira, it’s our responsibility to act. Export earns foreign exchange to fund infrastructure. But without records, government intervention is impossible.
“If we show that two trailers leave Ṣaki daily, government support will follow,” he said, urging traders to collaborate with the NBS in documenting products like cashew and shea butter.
A retired NEPC Director, Dr. Joe Itah, noted Ṣaki’s global recognition for quality exports. “Ṣaki is visible on the world map for shea butter and cashew. The NEPC Executive Director, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, has mandated us to strengthen formal trade here.
“Infrastructure is a challenge, but with support from traditional rulers like the Kabiyesi of Ṣaki, improvements will come,” he said.
Speaking from a royal perspective, Kabiyesi Oba Khalid Olabisi Oyedepo III, the Okere of Ṣaki, encouraged exporters to collaborate. “Form cooperatives to share transport costs and get bulk discounts. When you export, you help yourselves and strengthen the Naira,” he said.
According to the monarch, “Foreigners are profiting from our resources—one Indian claimed his company has made ₦1.7 billion here. Let us reclaim our trade. Much of what’s called Ogbomosho cashew comes from Ṣaki,” he noted.
Mr. Emmanuel Akanni of Fidelity Bank reaffirmed the bank’s support for export businesses. “Ṣaki is a hub for cocoa, cashew, and more. With government support, Fidelity Bank is ready to assist traditional institutions and NEPC. Proper documentation is key to accessing financing,” he said.
Responding, the monarch urged Fidelity Bank to open a branch in Ṣaki to ease financial access.
Delivering the goodwill message of the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives, Honourable Adebisi Adeniyi, Mr. Oluwole Uthman, an officer from the ministry, outlined the state’s commitment to formalizing cross-border trade in Saki. He stated that the government’s strategy is anchored on four key areas: registration and enumeration of traders, provision of basic infrastructure, deployment of trade facilitation officers and relevant agencies, as well as training and capacity building for women and youth engaged in trading.
“We are also committed to promoting cross-border cooperatives and market associations to ensure proper coordination and sustainability of trade activities,” Uthman said on behalf of the Commissioner. He noted that these measures are part of Oyo State’s broader efforts to improve trade governance, boost economic growth, and empower local traders in the border region.
Dr. Ayobami Omotosho, President-General of the Okerete Border Market Stakeholders Association, praised NEPC’s efforts and called for a permanent Customs/security post. “Our shea butter is now world-class. NEPC has helped us develop value-added cashew products.
“The Kabiyesi is working hard—soon we’ll commission a border post,” he said.
Chief Superintendent of the Nigerian Customs Service, (Oyo/Osun Area Command), Mr. U. D. Bukar at the event enlightened the audience on what exporters need as documents when exporting.
“Exporters need NAFDAC certificates, TIN, export licenses, and must pay duties,” he said.
Continuing, the Chief Superintendent said, “We check arrival assessment reports, certificates of origin, and more to ensure compliance and revenue growth.”
He also broke down the formal documentation requirements: “CAC registration, TIN, NEPC Export Certificate, Form M (import), NXP (export), SONCAP, NAFDAC, and Certificate of Origin,” he said must accompany any exporter whose goods are going through the border.
He listed key levies: 0–35% import duty, 7% surcharge, 0.5% ETLS levy, 1% CISS, and 7.5% VAT. Supporting docs include the SGD form, duty receipts, exit notes, PAAR, and transit bond.
The engagement ended with renewed stakeholder commitment to formalizing the vibrant but largely untracked cross-border trade around the Ṣaki–Okerete corridor—laying the foundation for stronger infrastructure, accurate data, and more inclusive economic growth.
The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has debunked allegations of a breach of civil service rules in the forthcoming promotion examinations at the council.
The allegations have been described as “egregious and blatant misinformation and a poor understanding of how promotion examinations are conducted in the civil service.”
The statement signed by Lawal Shehu Dalhat, the Director (Policy and Strategy) at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Headquarters noted that “one person, ED/CEO or not, cannot unilaterally promote staff.”
The Director emphasized that “it was important to provide clarification regarding the exercise scheduled to take place from July 9 to 11, 2025 because there is nothing to hide” before describing the allegations leveled against the council and its ED/CEO as a “shocking and unkind miscarriage of justice.”
According to the statement “Mrs. Ayeni has been accused and convicted of an offence which, according to the publication of July 2 2025, she is planning to commit seven days after she has been found guilty.”
The rest of the statement which went ahead to provide a comprehensive explanation of the process of conducting promotion examinations in the civil service and the success of previous exercises is reproduced in some detail below:
To put things in context, last year, 74 members of staff of the Council sat for promotion examinations from 3-4 April, 2024 which ran all day up until past midnight. 49 passed and were promoted. It was adjudged free, fair and without irregularities and bias. The success of that exercise which was not disputed by one single member of staff or management was a clear demonstration of Mrs. Ayeni’s attention to detail, strict adherence to extant civil service rules and her long experience as a past Head of Human Resources at Zenith Bank Plc, a fact many people at the council were not even aware of.
Before a promotion examination is held, the Council will write to the Head of Service (HoS) to request approval of its manpower budget where the available vacancies for promotion are considered and approved by the Head of Service of the Federation. The request must be accompanied with justification showing that members of staff have met the statutory requirement to seat for the promotion exercise which include serving on a grade level for the requisite three (3/4) years before they can sit for promotion, among other things.
If the HoS sees merit in the application, the approval will be granted and once that approval is granted the ED/CEO will then convene a Senior Staff Committee meeting that considers the approval, comes up with the date, disciplinary and administrative issues modalities and format for the interview and examination. At this point, the date and list of approved candidates will be communicated via a circular.
Now, the senior staff committee is made up of the ED/CEO, senior officers of the council (Directors) as well as representatives of the HoS, the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment (our supervising ministry) and the Federal Civil Service Commission.
With this composition is it impossible for the ED/CEO to “handpick” or unilaterally decide who gets to sit for the promotion examinations because the meetings are held in strict adherence to civil service rules.
The Senior Staff Committee meeting for the forthcoming promotion examinations was held on 24/06/2025 and the circular with reference number ADM/CONF/SM/I/VOL.12/121 was subsequently communicated to the entire staff on 26/06/2025 in accordance with the civil service rules along with a list of 102 eligible candidates.
As at the time of writing, not a single complaint has been received so it is perplexing to read reports of discontent within the council.”
The statement went ahead to refer to civil service rules regarding promotions for staff without degrees or with HND certificates: “A holder of a Higher National Diploma (HND) and a professional certificate (ICAN, ANAN, or COREN), without a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and a Master’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field from a recognized university, cannot be promoted to the Directorate level in the Public Service as stipulated in the extant scheme of service.”
For further clarity, a subsequent circular dated 7th November 2022, with reference No. HCSF/SPSO/ODD/E&WP/64976/52, emphasized: “For the avoidance of doubt, all HND holders terminate on SGL 14 in the Public Service, whether with or without professional qualifications.”
“The forthcoming examinations have not in any way flouted this directive nor do they intend to. When the promotion examinations were held in 2024, many members of staff who had been on the same level for over eight years were overjoyed to finally have an opportunity to sit for promotions. When such a long period of stagnation is discovered, the ED/CEO can, with the advice of the Senior Staff Committee, write to the HoS to request that such a member of staff be allowed to sit for the promotion examinations on humanitarian grounds.”
According to the statement signed by the Director (Policy and Strategy) at the NEPC, “in the forthcoming examinations members of staff who have been on the same grade level for over three years have been prioritized.”
The statement provided further “clarifications regarding the conduct of the promotion examinations; the ED/CEO has no input in how the exams are set, collated and marked. The process is simple: Directors at the council set the questions on the day of the examination. The exams hold and the answers are collated and marked by the same Directors on the same day which is why the process can last past midnight. The results are then handed over to the Director of Human Resources, the Director Policy and Strategy and the ED/CEO” before noting that “there is a curious twist to exams and promotions in the civil service. A member of staff can pass the exam and yet not be promoted. This can happen where there is no vacancy above his grade level. Is this unjust and inhumane or a strict adherence to the rules? You be the judge. To conclude, the promotion examinations for staff of the council have been set for July 9-11 2025 in strict adherence and compliance with civil service rules. As far as the council is aware no member of staff has been promoted or handpicked for promotion. The ED/CEO has no relative, friend or associate at the council and no one is being offered a job or a promotion as a favour.”
The Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, has disclosed that Non-Oil activities performance for the first quarter of 2025 is valued at $1.791 billion which is a 24.75 per cent increase over the $ 1.436 billion reported in the first quarter of 2024.
She noted that the volume also increased to 2.416 million metric tonnes which is an increase of 243.44 per cent from 1.937 million Metric Tons recorded in first quarter 2025 with the year 2024 result lending credence to the fact that several export intervention programmes, projects initiated and executed by the Council, especially the “Double Your Exports” campaign, is now yielding results.
Ayeni disclosed this at the presentation of the first quarter progress report on non- oil export performance in Abuja. According to him, in the Q1 2025, a total of 197 distinct products were exported. This figure reflects an increase when compared to the 162 products recorded in Q1 2024.
She said, “In the presentation of the 2024 non-oil export performance in January last year, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) reported the highest value of export since it was established 49 years ago with a year-on-year increase of 20.77 per cent from $4.517 billion in 2023 to $5.456 billion in 2024.
“The Council working with our supervising ministry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment other stakeholders remains committed towards continuing this trajectory of increasing the volume and value of non-oil exports from Nigeria by providing support to the exporting community in the areas of capacity building, standardization, enhancing market access and others.
The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, has revealed that Nigeria’s non-oil export performance for the first quarter of 2025 reached US$1.791 billion, marking a 24.75% increase from the US$1.436 billion recorded in the same period in 2024.
Speaking during the presentation of the Q1 non-oil export progress report in Abuja, Ayeni also noted a significant rise in export volume, which climbed to 2.416 million metric tonnes — a 243.44% increase compared to the 1.937 million metric tonnes reported in Q1 2024.
She attributed the growth to the success of the Council’s various export intervention programmes, particularly the “Double Your Exports” campaign.
Ayeni further disclosed that 197 distinct products were exported in the first quarter of 2025, up from 162 products in the same period the previous year.
She said, “In the presentation of the 2024 non-oil export performance in January last year, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) reported the highest value of export since it was established 49 years ago with a year-on-year increase of 20.77% from US$4.517 billion in 2023 to $5.456 billion in 2024.
“The Council working with our supervising ministry, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment other stakeholders remains committed towards continuing this trajectory of increasing the volume and value of non-oil exports from Nigeria by providing support to the exporting community in the areas of capacity building, standardization, enhancing market access and others.
“Products exported range from manufactured and semi-processed goods, to industrial extracts, and agricultural commodities, amongst others.
“Based on information received from Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs), of the top-20 products exported in the first quarter of 2025, Cocoa and its derivatives including cocoa butter, cocoa liquor, cocoa cake came first, followed by Urea, Cashew Nut, Sesame Seed, Gold Dore, Cocoa Butter, Aluminium Ingots, Copper Ingot, Soya Beans/meal, Rubber were the top of the list.
“These products ranged from the top commodity in terms of total non-oil export, accounting for 45.02% was Cocoa Beans. Urea/Fertilizer held the second position at 19.32% while Cashew Nuts came third with 5.81% of the total exported products. Performing exporting companies are, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemical Limited and Starlink Global & Ideal Limited maintained their position as the first and second with 12.07% and 10.00%, respectively. This is attributed to their notable export values of fertilizer and Cocoa products”, she said.
Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has called on Nigerians to change their perspective about Made-in-Nigeria goods and services, saying negative perception and attendant poor patronage of home-made products remains a major obstacle to growing the economy.
Speaking at the Strategic Focus Group Meeting on Made-in-Nigeria Products in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the NEPC head of products and market department, Hadiza Kashiat, identified negative perception as the biggest challenge facing the market of Nigerian-made products and services.
The focus group meeting was organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to bring together stakeholders—the manufacturers, academia, SMEs, and industry leaders—to explore ways to boost the productivity and acceptance of Made-in-Nigeria products and services.
Kashiat urged Nigerians to emulate the Chinese, who prioritised local industries and patronized their products to achieve global economic dominance.
She said a lot of made – in – Nigeria products are exported out of the country and rebranded in international markets under foreign labels which Nigerians buy and bring back to the country without knowing they were manufactured in Nigeria.
She revealed that Nigeria has one of the best lubricants when compared to others globally, adding that Malaysia is still exporting palm oil from Nigeria, an attestation that quality home – made products and services abound in Nigeria but require a change of perception to get the needed acceptance.
She stated, “We have to change our perspectives about Nigeria and made – in – Nigeria goods. We need to look in ward and understand that this is our country. A lot of made – in – Nigeria products are good, we might have some that are not yet there but a lot of them are good. I can speak from the aspect of products going out of the country.
“A lot of products are exported and rebranded under foreign labels when they leave this country, yet we refuse to acknowledge their quality. We have our lubricants for instance. Nigerian lubricant is one of the best in the world when compared to other countries. We have our ginger and sesame seeds.
“Malaysia is still coming to Nigeria to export palm oil out of this country due to its superior quality. So, that means we have quality made – in – Nigeria products in this country. We need to look at how we see made- in – products. If we say no to made – in – Nigeria products, how do we grow our economy? We can’t grow our economy if we refuse to buy.
“China did not grow by abandoning its local products. At some point, the country locked its economy to develop its industries. Nigeria must do the same by supporting its manufacturers and consuming what we produce.”
Also speaking, Babajide Sawyerr from NASENI’s Lagos Office said the engagement aligned with the agency’s mandate to drive economic growth through increased local patronage.
Sawyerr noted that addressing the negative perception surrounding local goods requires a collective effort.
“Yes, Nigerian-made products face challenges of stigmatization, but we are working with relevant stakeholders to change this perception. The truth is, many Nigerian products are of high quality, and we should patronise them to strengthen the economy,” he added.
For Ibrahim Idris from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), high energy cost, forex instability, poor research funding in universities, and the production of substandard goods are factors stymieing the country’s march to industrial and economic growth.
The Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, has revealed that the council is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to include the CFA franc as an accepted currency for export proceeds in the country’s banking system.
Speaking over the weekend, Ayeni disclosed that the CBN has approved the inclusion of the CFA franc on the Nigeria Export Proceed (NXP) Form, which exporters are required to complete when shipping goods out of Nigeria.
She noted that NEPC will work closely with the CBN and banks to ensure the full implementation of this policy.
Ayeni made this known during the presentation of the 2024 non-oil export performance report in Abuja, describing the move as a major breakthrough.
She also highlighted the positive impact of NEPC’s flagship initiative, #DoubleYourExport, in driving growth in the volume and value of Made-in-Nigeria products.
She said: “The Council through collaboration with other relevant agencies has contributed towards economic diversification with an impressive non-oil performance of $5.456 billion in 2024. It is worth noting that this reflects a significant increase of 20.77% (938.442 million) compared to the recorded figure of US$4.517 Billion for the preceding year of 2023.
“This achievement can be attributed to the following, the active diversification of the economy through the non-oil sector with emphasis on promoting agriculture, solid minerals, and manufacturing.
Increased Production in Energy, Agricultural, and Solid Mineral Sectors.
The positive impact of the current effort by the federal government to enhance trade through effective policy implementation both fiscal and monetary.
“The global economy’s recovery from previous downturns has increased demand for Nigerian exports, further boosting export performance. It is also interesting to note that there was an increase in the volume of agricultural commodities as non-oil export returns showed that 7.291 million metric tonnes of exportable products were exported in the period under review”.
She added that a total of Two Hundred and Forty – Six (246) distinct products were exported in the year under review. These exports spanned manufactured, semi-processed goods, industrial extracts, and agricultural commodities. Based on information received from Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs), of the top 20 products and commodities exported in the year 2024, Cocoa Beans, Urea/Fertilizer, Sesame Seed, Cashew Nuts/Kernels, Aluminum Ingots, Cocoa Butter, Copper Ingots, Soya Beans/Meal, Gold Dore and Hibiscus Flower were top of the list respectively.
“Interesting, Cocoa Butter, among other products, has experienced a notable surge in exportation, propelling it into the top 10 ranking of exported products. This upturn may be attributed to increased global demand, improved production processes, enhanced market access to key importing countries, and targeted trade policies promoting value-added products.
“The top commodity in terms of total non-oil export, accounting for 30.55% in percentage value was Cocoa Beans, followed by Urea/Fertilizer at 15.74% while Sesame Seeds contributed 8.50% of the total exported products respectively. There are quite some other exportable products that have contributed significantly to this huge volume of exports”.
Of the top 20 exporting companies in Nigeria, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemical Limited and Starlink Global & Ideal Limited secured the foremost position with $475,309,887.26, representing 8.71% and $456,740,920.00, representing 8.37% respectively.
This is attributed to their notable export volumes of Fertilizer and Cocoa products.
A total of Thirty-Two (32) banks participated in the processing of NXP Forms for export in the year in review. With a total number of 21,655 NXP forms processed. Zenith Bank Plc maintained its leading position, contributing 39.03% to the total number of NXPs for non-oil export.
Following closely is First Bank of Nigeria Plc at second position with 8.44%, while Fidelity Bank Plc held the third position, contributing 6.41% to the overall NXP transactions respectively. Other banks also contributed significantly to export volumes in Nigeria.
The ED is calling on is banks to support performing exporters as this will provide affordable finance that will help increase the basket of exportable products, stimulate value-addition, and thereby increase our foreign exchange earnings.
Value addition to our exportable products is very important as they attract premium pricing in the global market. No doubt exporting companies can scale up their production if they have access to affordable finance.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has urged investors at the Oyo-owned Fashola Agribusiness Hub (FABH) to capitalise on the state’s agricultural endowments.
During an advocacy visit to the 1,200-hectare facility in Fashola Village along the Oyo-Iseyin road, Executive Director/CEO of the NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni emphasised the importance of maximising the state’s comparative advantage in agriculture, urging investors to register with the NEPC and inprove the lot of the country via non-oil export.
Representing Ayeni on the advocacy visit was Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel, the
Oyo Coordinator of NEPC, who represented Ayeni, led the team to Fashola settlement, noting the significance of the visit, which aimed to assess agricultural output, share export information, and collect data on key investors.
The farm, which had been neglected for about 40 years, was revitalised under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to promote food security and agribusiness investments in the state.
Emmanuel commended the investors, stating “You have chosen the right time and place to invest, especially as the country shifts focus to non-oil exports.”
She also emphasised the need for investors to register with the NEPC and engage in value addition to their produce.
“Investors should embrace value addition and register as exporters with the NEPC to contribute to the realization of our ‘Operation Double Your Export’ mantra,” she said.
She further explained that the NEPC’s role is to promote non-oil exports and that the organisation builds the capacity of exporters through training programs and strategic partnerships. “NEPC is responsible for promoting non-oil exports, and we provide the necessary support for exporters to produce goods and services that meet international standards,” she enlightened.
She however encouraged investors to formalize their export operations and repatriate proceeds to benefit from NEPC’s export incentives. She highlighted the potential of the Bracharia plant, a high-demand crop that thrives in Oyo State’s climate, reaching maturity in just two months, compared to two years in other regions.
During the visit, the Director of Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Programme (YEAP & STEP), Mr. Popoola Olusola, provided insights into the hub’s facilities and history.
He noted that the farm currently hosts 10 investors, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), which has planted seven cassava varieties on 70 hectares.
“The farm is a ‘home away from home’ for investors, with modern infrastructure such as cleared farmland, 22 hours of power supply, luxury homes, and leisure facilities under construction,” Popoola said, stating that the Oyo State government partners with IITA as both an investor and a technical partner at the hub.
Highlighting IITA’s contributions, Popoola shared that cassava varieties like Obasanjo-2, Game Changer, and TME 419 were planted in August and September 2023. “These high-yield cassava stems can be harvested multiple times, and farmers are trained to grow cassava year-round,” he explained.
Other investors also shared their experiences. Mr. Isaac Kamar, WAMCO’s farm manager, emphasised Oyo State’s unique advantage in growing Bracharia, which matures in two months locally, compared to two years in other regions.
“WAMCO purchases the largest volume of fresh milk from the hub and operates a milk collection center in Iseyin,” Kamar said, adding that Fulani herders have been trained to grow Bracharia to feed WAMCO’s cows.
Mr. Omotunde Henry, senior agronomist at Brown Hill Limited, explained that the company has harvested over two tons of tomatoes between July and September 2024 and plans to begin exporting tomato powder once processing equipment is cleared from Tincan Port. “Our goal is to produce tomato powder for export,” Henry stated.
The visit also revealed that FABH’s infrastructure supports various investors. Brown Sugar Limited is cultivating sugarcane on 20 hectares, and Zigma Farms Ltd operates a 30-hectare cashew plantation.
Mr. Wale Oluwole of Zigma Farms shared that the company is preparing to start processing cashew nuts and juice.
The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) has facilitated this investment-friendly environment by providing amenities such as a good road network, chalets for staff, clinics, and sports facilities.
NEPC’s team on the advocacy visit also included Mr. Adesina Olukotun, Head Product and Market Development and Miss Oluremi Agbaje staff of the same department and from Oyo State Government; Mr. Ajetunmobi, the Director Technical Services OYSADA and Mr. Badmos Emmanuel the Facility Manager, FABH.
Other investors on the Fashola farms include: Milking Ban Industry, African Agricultural Technology Foundation, AgricDrive and eFarms Limited.
