NEPC Urges Exporters to Boost Competitiveness, Secure Global Reach
Jos Afrik24 – The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has challenged non-oil exporters in Plateau State to elevate their export competitiveness to achieve international relevance.
This call to action was delivered on Thursday in Jos during the Strategic Partnership on SME Export Financing seminar, hosted in collaboration with commercial banks operating within the state.
The initiative was designed to guide Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on navigating financial avenues to scale up their export operations.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Juliet Onmoke, the North Central Zonal Coordinator of the NEPC, emphasized the necessity for local exporters to enhance their craftsmanship, add value to their products, and expand production capacities.
She noted that realizing the council’s mantra to double exports requires robust financial backing, which prompted the inclusion of financial institutions in the program to educate entrepreneurs on accessing credit facilities.
Echoing the sentiment, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director of the NEPC, underscored the critical role of commercial bank partnerships in bridging the financing gap for SMEs to ensure international competitiveness.
She described the collaboration as a step toward building a financial architecture that converts raw export potential into tangible performance and national prosperity.
Ayeni further highlighted that the council has evolved into a strategic facilitator, focusing on a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates market intelligence, quality assurance, capacity development, and affordable financing.
Earlier in the program, goodwill messages were delivered by a representative of the Plateau State Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (PLASMEDA) and the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Salihu Nyalun.
Both officials encouraged participants to actively engage with the resource persons to maximize the benefits of the seminar.
