News in brief:
– The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) organised a four-day workshop to boost non-oil exports from the South-East.
– Experts highlighted the region’s export potential, while NEPC pledged mentorship and technical support for businesses.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) recently took a significant step towards revitalising the South-East’s role in the global economy by enhancing the export of non-oil products. This was the key focus of a four-day workshop held at the Enugu State Chamber of Commerce, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA), which concluded over the weekend.
Tagged Export Business Roundtable, South-East 2025, the seminar was themed South-East Nigeria’s Export Future: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges. It brought together business leaders, agro-allied organisations, and export experts to discuss pathways for maximising the region’s agricultural and manufacturing potential in the international market.
Experts highlight export opportunities
Speaking at the event, Dr Nnaemeka Onyeka Obiaraeri, Executive Director of Taurus Oil and Gas Ltd, emphasised the rich agricultural potential of the South-East, particularly in cassava and red palm oil, which are in high demand globally. However, he lamented the lack of an enabling environment due to political unwillingness at both state and local government levels, which has hindered foreign investment in agriculture.
Similarly, Prof. John Isemede, an expert in export and international trade, outlined the economic advantages of exporting locally made products to high-demand markets. He provided practical guidelines for prospective exporters on navigating global trade.
NEPC’s commitment to export growth
In her keynote address, NEPC Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni, reiterated the immense export potential of the South-East. She emphasised that the region’s organic farming practices make its agricultural products highly desirable in the international market.
“The South-East has great potential for export business as everything done here is natural and highly sought after internationally. All we need is to educate and mentor our people to succeed in exportation,” she said.
Ayeni further assured that NEPC would provide technical and mentorship assistance, facilitate international certification, and help struggling and aspiring exporters overcome entry barriers into the global market.
Calls for increased networking and land utilisation
Dr Queen Onyinye Okpa, CEO of DGC Express, stressed the need for networking and collaboration among exporters, highlighting that a well-structured export industry in the South-East could drive Nigeria’s overall non-oil export growth.
Traditional rulers from the region also lent their support to the initiative. The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, in a message, encouraged business owners to embrace exportation as a means of wealth creation and GDP growth.
The Enugu State Chairman of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Samuel Asadu, represented by Igwe Uchenna Anikwe, advocated for large-scale farming, noting that repurposing forests into agricultural sites could enhance food security and reduce crime.
Export training and product exhibition
The workshop featured specialised sessions, including an Export Clinic, which provided tailored training for participants from Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra states. Another session, Export Creativity, showcased locally manufactured products such as packaged food items, local fabrics, and arts, which have strong potential in both local and international markets.
Dr Ngozi Ndu Nwagu, Executive Director of Clask Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, noted that lack of government support remains a significant challenge for local manufacturers. However, she expressed optimism that the workshop would help bridge this gap and open new market opportunities for Nigerian products.
NEPC optimistic about workshop impact
At the close of the event, NEPC Regional Manager, Mr Macpherson Fred Jeugban, expressed confidence that the workshop had successfully fostered collaboration among business owners, manufacturers, and the NEPC to drive non-oil exports forward.
The initiative comes barely a month after the Enugu Export Committee reaffirmed its commitment to boosting non-oil exports as a key strategy for strengthening the state’s economy. With the renewed push from NEPC, the South-East could soon reclaim its position as a major player in Nigeria’s export sector.
