The Adamawa State Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and the World Bank SABER programme, has trained 150 small and medium-sized enterprises and presented them with export certificates aimed at enhancing trade, youth empowerment, and economic growth in the state.
Speaking at a workshop in Yola, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Dr. Ishaya John Dabari, said the initiative aligns with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s commitment to developing all sectors and ensuring inclusive growth across the society. The state government covered the cost of the export certificate registration fees for the 150 SMEs, which were remitted to NEPC and distributed free of charge.
The certificates are intended to promote active participation in export activities among small-scale businesses, creating opportunities for them to access international markets and contribute to the state’s economic development. Dabari added that the Fintiri administration has also implemented youth and women empowerment programmes through the State Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), addressing the current economic challenges and fostering inclusive growth.
The North-East Regional Coordinator of NEPC, Mr. Anani Egon, described the initiative as timely, emphasizing that it would help change mindsets about the potential of the international market and equip SMEs to make their products export-ready.
