Palm kernels have immense potential in the global market, and to capitalise on this, Nigerians looking to export this product should focus on expanding their shipping capabilities to handle large quantities for international trade rather than just small containers. Nonye Ayeni, the Nigeria Export Promotions Council (NEPC) CEO, recently shared valuable advice for exporters in Port Harcourt in the South-South region. She emphasised the importance of focusing on non-oil exports, particularly urging them to consider promoting palm kernel products. Ayeni stated the South-South zone’s significant role in the oil palm value chain, encouraging exporters to capitalise on this opportunity.
Ayeni encouraged exporters in the area to adopt a global perspective. She is appealing to exporters, business owners, and public sector support organisations in the region to collaborate with the NEPC to enhance non-oil export trade, promoting economic growth and job opportunities. Ayeni’s purpose in the area was to increase awareness and involvement in exporting, stating that they are fully equipped to assist in every step of the process, from the beginning to reaching the market. She reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to enhancing the non-oil export sector in the region and urged exporters to embrace a global perspective and focus on adding value to their products.
NEPC is committed to improving the growth and variety of non-oil exports.
During an interactive meeting with stakeholders at Golden Tulip Hotel in Port Harcourt, the CEO emphasised NEPC’s commitment to improving the growth and variety of non-oil exports. She highlighted the Council’s dedication to collaborating with non-oil exporters to enhance their products, facilitate market entry, and provide necessary export guidance. Discussing the expansion of non-oil exports covers a broad spectrum, ranging from agricultural production to reaching consumers in the marketplace. At this juncture of the country’s history, they understand the importance of non-oil exports and cannot dismiss them. Although they once relied solely on oil, they have now come to acknowledge the necessity of diversifying their sources of income.
The focus is on non-oil exports for economic growth, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda job creation agenda. NERC promotes products and exports, emphasising the need for a global perspective. The South-South region has untapped potential, like palm kernel exports. Participants must expand beyond limited containers and explore new markets to attract foreign exchange. Developing these products will create jobs and reduce poverty. The key message is to embrace opportunities for growth and expansion in the export market.
South-South Nigeria has high expectations for non-oil exporters.
She recommended they explore exporting large quantities of non-oil items to stay competitive worldwide. While the Council can assist in establishing market entry, maintaining market presence requires a focus on continuity, excellence, and adherence to product specifications. In Port Harcourt, she disclosed high expectations for the exporters. The imperative was to increase production and witness numerous shipments departing from the area. During the meeting, the head of the Council emphasised that NEPC’s focus extends beyond just promoting non-oil exports. They also support industries such as agriculture, services, and solid Minerals. This includes various services like outsourcing, IT, fashion, and creative arts. She highlighted various initiatives stakeholders can utilise to enhance their export development efforts.
With over a thousand agricultural products, the ‘Double Your Export Operations’ program aligns products with global demand to expand reach. Value addition is crucial to significantly increasing earnings and creating more job opportunities. The focus is on adding value to products before exporting to maximise foreign exchange earnings. The ‘Export 35’ framework under Operation Double Your Export aims to enhance non-oil exports and boost the economy through increased volume and value. The new ‘NEPC Connect platform facilitates communication with stakeholders and customers to support export growth further.
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Concern was raised about the Council’s packaging, labelling, and certification programs, as stakeholders were uninformed due to their lack of engagement with the Council’s social media platforms. She encouraged everyone to stay informed by following the Council’s social media accounts for the latest updates and resources. Stakeholders in the non-oil export industry convened to address key challenges and brainstorm solutions for sector development. The meeting also served as a platform for the Council to educate attendees on potential initiatives for sector growth. Key officials, such as the Deputy Council Directors the Export Operation and Management Institute Secretary and the Director of Export and Development Incentives, attended the meeting.
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