In aligning with the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State towards achieving economic prosperity, the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Ease of Doing Business Secretariat in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), concluded its two-day technical workshop focused on fostering collaboration within Edo State’s export ecosystem.
The event, which held at the Edo State One-Stop-Investment Centre (ES-OSIC), aimed at boosting the State’s non-oil export sector, featured insightful presentations, practical sessions, and strategic discussions.
The Managing Director of ESIPO, Hon. Amen Odigie in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude to all participants, stakeholders and financial institutions.
“Our discussions over these two days have revealed key challenges, opportunities and actionable steps needed to simplify the export process and support our MSMEs in accessing international markets”. He noted.
He further acknowledged the contributions of seasoned exporters, whose shared experiences provided invaluable guidance to aspiring businesses.
“To our financial institutions, we appreciate your commitment to supporting MSMEs with the necessary tools and funding to succeed in the global market”. He said.
Hon. Amen further stressed that the workshop’s success hinges on translating knowledge into action.
According to him, “The real work begins now. The insights we have gained must translate into action. Let us leave here not just with knowledge, but with a renewed commitment to work together, foster partnerships and create an Edo State that is recognized for its thriving, globally competitive export sector. This is part of the vision of His Excellency, the Governor. He wants MSMEs to thrive in Edo, that is why he came up with the one billion Naira interest free loan to support market women. It is currently being handled by the Edojobs”.
Hon. Amen concluded by urging participants to continue collaborating for a stronger Edo export ecosystem, reinforcing the State’s commitment to diversifying its economy and achieving sustainable growth through non-oil exports.
A key highlight of the day was a presentation by Okhiulu Andrew, the Edo State Coordinator of the NEPC, who addressed the critical need for diversification in Nigeria’s export portfolio.
In his presentation, titled “An Overview of Export Operations in Nigeria,” Andrew emphasized, that the current poor world oil prices call for diversification of Nigeria’s Non-Oil export sector to generate the required foreign exchange earnings to boost the domestic economy.
He underscored the urgency of moving away from over-reliance on oil and leveraging the State’s abundant non-oil resources.
The workshop also provided invaluable practical sessions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Leading financial institutions, First Bank of Nigeria and Union Bank of Nigeria, conducted sessions focused on accessing export-tailored financial products, equipping participants with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of international trade financing.
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
Media Officer ESIPO
