Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) have declared unwavering commitment to boosting the export activities of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Executive Director of NEPC, Ezra Yakusak, revealed this on Wednesday while giving his address at the Access Bank’s Exporters Forum.
The NEPC boss reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government towards supporting Micro Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country to upscaling and thriving in their business practices.
Stating the numerous efforts of the NEPC towards the achievement of ensuring a seamless Pan-African trade system for MSMEs, the NEPC boss revealed that Nigeria had opened its first Export Trade House in four African countries.
Speaking about NEPC’s promotion of direct assistance to MSMEs, Yakusak said: “The NEPC, in collaboration with a private sector operator, opened the first Nigeria Export Trade House in Cairo, Egypt and in Lome, Togo and recently Nairobi, Kenya”.
“We undertake an export audit, build export readiness competencies, and provide support in getting access to high-quality input, branding, packing, and certification.”
“We also facilitate international exposure through sponsorships to available trade fairs, trade missions in collaboration with our strategic partners.”
Yakusa revealed that about a year ago, a total number of 70 MSMEs sponsored by NEPC received the certification of their products on hazard analysis and critical control points while another 40 recently received their certificates.
“Just five months ago, another batch of 40 exporters received their food and drug administration certificate for their products to access the US market.”
He said the certification would enable them to compete with similar products from other countries of the world and also stem the problem of rejection of Nigerian goods abroad.
Head of Specialised Business at NEXIM, Mohammed Awani, stated the goal of the NEXIM is to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises expanding their reach on value-added exports.
Speaking about NEXIM SME support schemes, Awani said: “The intention of the small and medium enterprise export facility is to stimulate and increase deliberate funding to small and medium enterprises towards broadening Nigeria’s export basket and facilitating industrialisation for value-added exports.”
Further adding; “To access NEXIM Bank facilities, the eligibility criteria are creditworthy export companies and co-operative societies incorporated in Nigeria.
“NEXIM Bank facilities are mainly targeted at MSMEs and since inception, the bank has supported over 1,000 MSMEs including start-up projects some of which have grown to be enlisted among the CBN’s list of top 100 exporters.
“We, therefore, seek and welcome partnership opportunities with entrepreneurs and project promoters in identifying and funding viable projects, particularly in the areas of manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals, and services.”
