NEPC, ITC Move to Boost Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports, Cut Global Rejections

by admin on | 2026-04-15 12:35:41

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NEPC, ITC Move to Boost Nigeria’s Non-Oil Exports, Cut Global Rejections

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama, Abuja

Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s Agricultural export sector have converged in Kano to chart a new course for strengthening non-oil exports, with a strong focus on improving compliance and reducing rejection of sesame and cowpea products in international markets.

The meeting, organized by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), brought together farmers, exporters, and industry players for a needs assessment and validation workshop on communication strategies around sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards.

Speaking at the event, NEPC Executive Director, Ms. Nonye Ayeni, said the initiative is part of a broader effort launched in 2025 to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural export value chain.

“We are here with ITC as a continuation of an initiative launched in 2025 by the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to de-risk the sesame and cowpea value chain,” Ayeni stated.

She explained that the programme, focuses on reducing the risks that often lead to the rejection of Nigerian agricultural exports abroad.

“By de-risking, we are addressing the issue of rejection of Nigerian products. We are educating farmers, aggregators, and exporters on sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and equipping them with the tools they need to comply,” she added.

Ayeni noted that early results from the initiative are already encouraging.

“The result is already showing. There has been a massive reduction in the rejection of Nigerian commodities in the global market, and we expect continued improvement,” she said.

Highlighting the growing importance of non-oil exports, she linked the progress to the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.

“Non-oil export holds the key to sustainable economic growth. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria recorded its highest-ever non-oil export figures 8.02 million metric tons valued at 6.1 billion dollars,” Ayeni revealed.

Also speaking, ITC Project Manager, Mr. Simon Heisig emphasized the organization’s role in supporting Nigerian exporters to meet international standards.

“As the International Trade Centre, we are supporting small and medium enterprises to export their products. Many food items are stopped at borders due to non-compliance with standards, and our mission is to change that,” he said.

He added that the collaboration with NEPC is already helping stakeholders understand and meet global requirements.

“We are working with farmers, processors, and exporters to ensure compliance so that products are no longer rejected at borders,” Simon explained.

Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly increase compliance levels and export volumes.

“Our expectation is that hundreds, if not thousands, of farmers will become fully compliant and understand the requirements of key markets like Japan, China, and Europe, leading to increased export volumes and value,” he said.

The Kano meeting marks a critical step in Nigeria’s push to diversify its economy through agriculture, with stakeholders optimistic that improved standards and compliance will unlock greater access to global markets.