Nigeria Export Promotion Council

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is the foremost government agency in Nigeria responsible for promoting and developing the nation’s non-oil exports. Established in 1976, the NEPC plays a crucial role in diversifying the Nigerian economy away from its heavy reliance on crude oil revenue. Its mission is to spearhead the drive for increased non-oil exports, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, creating employment opportunities, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

The NEPC’s mandate encompasses a broad range of activities, including identifying exportable products, providing market intelligence to exporters, offering training and capacity building programs, and facilitating participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions. The Council also works to address challenges faced by exporters, such as access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and complex regulatory procedures.

One of the NEPC’s key functions is market research and intelligence gathering. The Council conducts extensive research to identify potential markets for Nigerian products and provides exporters with vital information on market trends, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements. This enables exporters to make informed decisions about which products to export and where to target their efforts.

Recognizing the importance of capacity building, the NEPC offers a variety of training programs designed to equip Nigerian entrepreneurs and businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the global marketplace. These programs cover areas such as export procedures, quality control, packaging and labeling, and international marketing.

To showcase Nigerian products and facilitate business-to-business interactions, the NEPC organizes and participates in numerous international trade fairs and exhibitions. These events provide Nigerian exporters with a platform to connect with potential buyers, distributors, and investors from around the world. The NEPC also provides financial assistance to exporters to participate in these events.

The NEPC actively works to create a more conducive environment for export trade in Nigeria. This includes advocating for policy reforms, streamlining export procedures, and collaborating with other government agencies to address challenges faced by exporters. The Council also provides support to export-oriented businesses through its various programs and initiatives.

In recent years, the NEPC has intensified its efforts to promote the export of value-added products, rather than raw materials. This is in line with the government’s objective of diversifying the economy and creating more jobs in the manufacturing sector. The Council is also focusing on promoting exports from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are seen as a key driver of economic growth.

While the NEPC has made significant strides in promoting non-oil exports, challenges remain. These include limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and a complex regulatory environment. However, the NEPC continues to work tirelessly to overcome these challenges and create a more enabling environment for export trade in Nigeria, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity.