The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on Friday said that the current export value of Edo State stood at $15 million
Okhiulu Andrew, the Edo State coordinator of NEPC, disclosed this at a two-day workshop organised by the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) in collaboration with the Council in Benin City.
The programme, which has its theme, ‘Fostering Collaboration within Edo State’s Export Ecosystem’, was geared towards enhancing the export process for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Andrew, who explained the council’s role in promoting exports, advocated the need for its increase, particularly in palm oil, where it has substantial untapped potential in order to surpass the contribution of other states.
He posited that Palm oil produced in Edo State is mostly consumed locally and not exported.
While stating that Nigeria produces only 2% of global output of palm oil, he, however, identified the interest in only normal export by exporters in the country as one of the problems that affect accurate data in terms of export in the country.
Andrew, who said multiple states’ exit points in Nigeria make tracking of exports difficult, however, advised that it would be more profitable for businesses to carry out formal and Legal exports.
He identified formal and legal exports as the main driver of the export ecosystem which required collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
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In his welcome address, Amen Odigie, the managing director of ESIPO, emphasised the need for a strengthened export framework.
Odigie, also stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for exporters, ensuring seamless access to markets, financing and compliance support.
He said the event was a significant move to improve the export sector in the State through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO).
The workshop which identified a lack of adequate laboratory infrastructure for product testing within Edo State, opined that the challenge hinders the product certification process, which is a crucial step for accessing international markets.
Other challenges identified by stakeholders include difficulty in tracking export data, distinguishing between formal and informal exports, and the need for systematic export standardisation.
The workshop was attended by exporters, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and financial institutions to engage in meaningful discussions and strategic collaborations.
Some of the participants that attended the workshop are the Nigeria Customs Service, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), National Small-Scale Industrialist (NASSI), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
