NEPC, RMRDC Partner to Boost Value Addition, Export Sector

By Praise Chinecherem

Participants at a One Day Export Clinic Series organised by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in conjunction with Raw Material Research and Development Council(RMRDC) have described as critical, the need for growing exports and linking the nation’s products to international markets

The awareness campaign held at Technology Incubation Centre, (TIC) Nnewi, aimed at equipping entrepreneurs, budding Exporters, Processors, and Fabricators on the procedures and compliance requirements necessary for gaining access to the African market

The clinic was staged to encourage local fabricators to adapt substitute imported machinery by designing and producing equipment that suits local needs and conditions while meeting international standards, providing on-demand fabrication services tailor-made to clients specifications and prototypes.

“And promoting locally made machinery that is cost effective and support local industries, agro processors and local economy through job creation”
‎
‎Center Manager, Technology Incubation Center Nnewi, Mr. Kelvin Nwabugwu, in his welcome address, underscored the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy through enhanced non-oil exports, especially as global markets increasingly seek diverse sources for agricultural and mineral.

He described the centre as the bastion of research, calling for government and prospective investors support to drive the vision of accomplishing the desired objective.
‎
‎Anambra State Coordinator of NEPC, Mr. Peter Udom, discussed the achievements of its Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni, with the “Double Your Export Mantra” as it’s policy thrust and focus that had propelled the milestone year on year increase in export performance.

He emphasized the need to mainstream the predominantly informal trade narrative, documentation requirements, product traceability, and packaging standards as means of adding value for premium gains,amongst others.

‎
Zonal Director South East Zone, Dr. Mrs. Clarice .N. Chijioke, commended NEPC’s commitment to supporting local businesses in reaching international markets and emphasized the state government’s support for initiatives promoting export growth.
‎
Delivering a paper on value addition and processing of agro raw material for export, the State Coordinator, RMRDC, Dr Uche Nwosu highlighted the mandate and achievements of the council towards sustainable industrial growth and development.

She stressed the need for value addition to agro and mineral based raw materials before export to maximise profit, create jobs, skill development, enhance competences, save Forex and grow GDP.

Nwosu, noted that over the years, the council had encouraged value addition by supporting several pilot projects and facilitated partnership that promote processing raw materials into semi finished and finished goods particularly among small and medium enterprises

She created awareness on the new Tax incentive guideline which empowers the council to reward industries that engage in research, innovation and use locally sourced raw materials.

“This will help to cut cost, decrease reliance on import, strengthen value chain and create opportunities for local suppliers and producers,” she added.

The Coordinator encouraged the stakeholders to continue to support and partner the council to harness the full potential of the nation’s vast agro and mineral resources for prosperity sake.

Commissioner For Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, was represented by the Director of Industry, Mrs Ebo Nwosu, who delivered a goodwill message.

‎The workshop also featured another insightful paper presentation, entitled “Understanding The Export Basis From End To End (Export For Beginners)” by Mr Anoro Elwin, Chief Executive Officer, Elwin Amanchasis Company Limited.

‎Highpoint of the seminar included robust question-and-answer session, during which participants raised practical concerns regarding the registration process, compliance expectations, and the need for continued support from NEPC .

The session provided clarity on several issues and reaffirmed NEPC’s commitment to supporting exporters through technical guidance, support services and stakeholders engagement.

‎
‎