By Praise Chinecherem
Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has lamented huge economic losses being incurred by government and private businesses following protracted weekly Monday sit-at-home in Southeast.
Regional Coordinator, South East, Macpherson Fred-Ileogben stated this in Awka, Anambra State during a one-day seminar tagged “Accelerating Made-in Anambra by Developing and Promoting Non-Oil Export in the State” organised by Ministry of Industry.
Fred-Ileogben regretted steady crippling of commercial activities in the region, particularly on the first working day of the week, calling for political solution to the impasse.
He further expressed concern over what he described as “muscles flexing” approach by some state governments towards ending the ugly trend, canvassing for dialogue as better option.
He said, “Something must have led to the Monday sit-at-home. It’s strange to start a new week with locking down the entire Southeast region. We’re losing so much in terms of revenue from government and private businesses.
“I think there is need for government to come together, look inwards and find out the reasons and consider some possible political solutions.
“There’s no need government flexing muscles with traders, including threats to seals shops. I think the best approach is for all players to come together to find a lasting solution.”
Fred-Ileogben further identified insufficient recording of exports activities as part of challenges facing exports trading in the zone.
“What government is doing today is building capacity of citizens because real exports trading needs capacity and competence.
“But the challenge is that many of these trades are unrecorded. Everyday you see containers moving to the ports but many of them are not recorded. This is a major challenge.
“More need to be done as far as exports is concerned. The entire Southeast is predominantly import destination. All the players and stakeholders should work together to ensure export activities are boosted for increased foreign exchange reserve, job creation, among others.
“We in the NEPC are looking at how we can mainstream exports to ensure the activities are adequately tracked and the needed infrastructure provided. There’s also need for public enlightenment among the business community,” he added.
Publicity Rep, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Engr Fidelix Waridoko said part of the responsibilities of his organization include assisting in empowering and developing exporters’ capacity to double their exports businesses by insisting on quality and standards.
“We certify products that meet global standards for cross border businesses. We also guide exporters, manufacturers to ensure their products are manufactured through our schemes.
“We also take samples of their products and issue them certificate of quality which they will tender as exports documents.
“There’s need for sensitization from planning to manufacturing stage and exports itself. Throughout the processes, SON plays the role of business facilitator, big brother to importers and exporters.
“We’re also concerned about ensuring that made-in Nigeria products are of quality to meet best international standards and are in line with global best practices.
“We therefore call on those engaged in informal exports to approach us and be properly guided so their products can compete favorably in the global market,” he said.
Earlier, Commissioner of Industry Mr Christian Udechukwu said the Ministry’s partnership with relevant stakeholders, including the NAFDAC, NEPC and SON had continued to yield the desired results of boosting the state economy.
He said, “NAFDAC now has a process in place that enables her to issue export certification for processed food products within 24hours.
“For us as a Ministry, it’s an excellent development and significant milestone particularly in view of the recent position of the state as number 1 in ease of doing business in Southeast and number 7 in Nigeria as well as best SME friendly state in the region.
“So to discover that we can get SME processed food certification in 24hours is an addition to our reputation and the new economic environment Governor Chukwuma Soludo is creating for ease of doing business.
“We’re also in a commitment with NEPC to train SME processed food manufacturers to ensure they meet global best practices in terms of food lifespan.
“By this training, our food processors will know the best practices as it concerns food production, preservation and expiry dates.
“These are the things that make made-in Anambra products to be trusted globally. We want to produce not just the best quality products, but to include in them, information that enhance trust.
“That will not just promote trust for our non oil products, but will no longer be rejected. If it’s from Anambra, then it must be trusted, reliable and dependably produced in a sanitary environment.
“Ultimately, the certification process ensures there’s sanitization in the entire chain which creates trust, efficiency and prosperity.”
On his part, Special Assistant to Soludo on Commerce and Industry, Eloka Maduekwe described exports as one major panecea to the nation’s dwindling economy.
“Today’s gathering is essentially put together to sensitize stakeholders on what export is all about, with the support of relevant agencies.
“Export is the way out, considering the dwindling economy of the country. Trade must have to be balanced.
“We want our youths and women to develop interests in exports and earn foreign exchange,” he added.
