KEY POINTS

• The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has trained intending exporters in Imo State on the requirements for starting a non-oil export business.
• The council warned participants against exporting prohibited products, including maize, scrap metals, raw timber and unprocessed rubber latex.
• Intending exporters were advised to assess market demand, product varieties, seasonal availability and costs before entering the business.
• Speakers urged exporters to obtain relevant product certifications and form business clusters to improve access to markets.

MAIN STORY

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has trained intending exporters in Imo State on export regulations, product preparation and market requirements as the Federal Government seeks to expand non-oil exports and reduce dependence on petroleum.

The training took place in Owerri on Wednesday and was organised to equip newly registered and prospective exporters with the knowledge required to navigate the export business.

NEPC Executive Director Nonye Ayeni, represented by the council’s Imo Coordinator, Anthony Ajuruchi, said the initiative was part of efforts to promote non-oil exports and diversify Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking on the theme, “Understanding the Rudiments of Non-Oil Export Business for Seamless Export Journey,” Ayeni said the training would help participants understand export restrictions and avoid shipping prohibited goods.

She listed the prohibited products to include maize, scrap metals, raw or sawn timber, unprocessed rubber latex, wildlife animals, artefacts and antiquities.

Ayeni also advised prospective exporters to establish whether there was sufficient demand for their chosen products before committing money to the business.

She said they needed to identify suitable products and available varieties, understand peak seasons and calculate costs before beginning export operations.

“Also, prepare, package and label your products, conduct analysis and secure relevant certifications,” she said.

Jacintha Akalazu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology at Imo State University, Owerri, urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s drive to promote non-oil exports, saying the effort could help reduce the country’s reliance on petroleum products.

Emeka Osuji of Nouvel Foods Ltd. highlighted the importance of forming business clusters to improve exporters’ ability to reach markets.

THE ISSUES

Entering the export business involves more than finding a product to sell abroad. Exporters need to confirm that the product is permitted, that buyers exist in the target market and that the costs of preparing and transporting the goods leave room for profit.

The warning against prohibited goods is particularly important for new exporters. Investing in products without understanding export restrictions can expose a business to financial losses and regulatory problems.

Market research is another important step. Demand can vary by product, season and destination, while packaging, labelling and certification requirements can add to the cost of getting goods ready for international buyers. Exporters who fail to account for these requirements may struggle to deliver products that meet buyers’ expectations.

The call for business clusters points to another challenge for smaller exporters: reaching buyers and competing in markets where reliable supply and consistent product quality matter. Working together could help businesses coordinate supply and improve market access, although the report does not specify any cluster programme introduced at the training.

WHAT’S BEING SAID

“Also, prepare, package and label your products, conduct analysis and secure relevant certifications,” – Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director, Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

WHAT’S NEXT

Prospective exporters will need to apply the training by checking export restrictions, researching buyers and calculating costs before committing to shipments.

The source material does not state whether the NEPC plans additional training sessions in Imo State or disclose how many participants attended the programme.

BOTTOM LINE

Nigeria’s non-oil export ambitions depend partly on businesses being able to identify viable products, meet export requirements and reach buyers. For intending exporters in Imo State, understanding the rules and costs before investing could help prevent avoidable losses and improve their chances of building sustainable export businesses.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)