The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reported a 6.26% increase in non-oil exports, generating $2.7 billion in the first half of 2024, up from $2.5 billion in the same period in 2023. Executive Director/Chief Executive Nonye Ayeni presented the progress report in Abuja, highlighting the total volume of exports at 3.834 million metric tonnes, with 211 products exported.
Ayeni attributed the growth to the successful transition of government in May 2023 and policy initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She also credited the NEPC’s “Operation Double Your Exports” initiative for positively influencing the sector’s performance.
She expressed optimism about the sector’s potential to contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, increase foreign exchange earnings, and ensure sustainable economic growth.
She emphasised the council’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to stimulate export growth and highlighted the growing prominence of exportable products like fresh vegetables, citrus peel, and sorghum.
Ayeni also underscored the untapped potential in the services sector, particularly in logistics and ICT, and urged financial institutions to support exporters with affordable finance.
She stressed the importance of reducing product rejects by ensuring adherence to global quality and standards, and highlighted the council’s efforts to address these issues through collaboration with relevant agencies.
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