By Aondofa Antyever
In a bid to boost the export of non-oil products, the Benue State office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) partnered with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other key stakeholders to organize a one-day capacity-building workshop themed “Export Clinic.”, for Exporters in Benue State
The workshop which aimed at equipping exporters with the knowledge and skills required to effectively compete in the global market, while addressing the challenges faced by local exporters took place on Thursday, 24th July 2025, at the NEPC Conference Hall.
The Benue State Coordinator for RMRDC, Mrs. Abel-Ugbir Iveren Jessica, representing the Director-General, Prof. Nnayelugo Ike-Muonso, outlined ongoing efforts to curb the export of unprocessed raw materials through legislative amendments and policy reforms. She urged exporters and industry stakeholders to support initiatives designed to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Highlighting the significance of the workshop, she encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the sessions.
In his remarks, the NEPC State Coordinator, Mr. Friday Ogiri, emphasized the difference between selling locally and entering the global market, noting that exporters must meet specific requirements to succeed internationally, he expressed optimism t that the number of registered exporters in Benue State would increase tenfold following the workshop.
You Might AlsoLike
Also, Regional Manager of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr. Benjamin Nyakuma identified insufficient funding and lack of collateral as key obstacles for exporters seeking loans. He encouraged registered exporters to approach NEXIM Bank for financial support, underscoring the importance of utilizing available resources to prevent product rejection in global markets.
Furthermore, the Area Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Ishaaku Tokpa, applauded the theme of the event and encouraged that such workshops be held regularly to enhance exporters’ competence. He also invited exporters to visit the NSC office for further export-related guidance.
The technical presentation was delivered by NEPC State Coordinator Mr. Friday Ogiri, who encouraged exporters to transition from potential to production by prioritizing processed goods over raw materials. Highlighting items on Nigeria’s export prohibition list, including maize, scrap metals, and unprocessed rubber, he covered essential topics such as product sourcing, market selection, buyer identification, export documentation, and packaging.
Challenges such as product rejection in global markets and multiple taxation were also addressed, offering exporters insights into overcoming these barriers.
The collaborative Export Clinic reflects a concerted effort by government agencies and financial institutions to support the expansion of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and equip exporters with the tools for sustainable success on the global stage.
