The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reaffirmed that its commitment to non-oil exports remains “sacrosanct,” stressing that diversifying the economy through exports is central to Nigeria’s long-term growth.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with registered exporters in Owerri on Friday, the Imo State Coordinator of NEPC, Mr. Anthony Ajuruchi, said the engagement was designed to create a platform for dialogue with performing exporters and to chart a path for scaling up non-oil export performance from the state.
“Non-oil exports are more important to us as a nation now more than ever, and we must get it right because our commitment is sacrosanct. Imo has continued to grow in leaps and bounds, and we are here to see what we can do to double our efforts. Granted, there are challenges, but they are not insurmountable, which is why we have come to the roundtable with performing exporters to seek ways to address them,” Ajuruchi said.
He assured participants that the Federal Government remains committed to improving the ease of doing business, citing available incentives targeted at encouraging exporters and boosting competitiveness.
The meeting also highlighted success stories from Imo exporters who are already making inroads into international markets. Among them was Chief Martin Nwoga, Chief Executive Officer of Sochi Foods, a leading cassava processing company that has commenced the export of high-quality cassava flour and garri flour to the United States. Also present was Mr. Deola Ilechukwu, CEO of Cardif Trust, another major player in the state’s non-oil export drive.
Stakeholders at the forum noted that strengthening Imo’s export base requires greater collaboration between government, exporters, and financial institutions to overcome structural challenges. They also agreed that with sustained support, Imo could emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading non-oil export hubs, particularly in agro-processing.
