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  • Nigeria non-oil exports hit $3.225bn

    Nigeria non-oil exports hit $3.225bn

    Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has announced that the country’s non-oil exported products in the half-year of 2025 were valued at 3.225 billion dollars.

    Director-General of the council, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, disclosed this to newsmen while presenting a report on the first half of 2025 Non-Oil Export Performance, in Abuja on Sunday.

    Ayeni said that the report was aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the council’s achievements, challenges and prospects.

    “I am pleased to inform you that non-oil products exported in the first half of 2025 were valued at 3.225 billion dollars.

    “This shows an increase of 19.59 per cent as against the sum of 2.696 billion dollars recorded for the first half of the year 2024.

    “The volume also increased to 4.04 million metric tonnes, compared to the 3,83 million metric tonnes for the same period of 2024,” she said.

    The director-general recalled that in April, Nigeria’s non-oil products exported in the first quarter of 2025 recorded a significant value of 1.791 billion dollars.

    She said that the figure represented a 24.75 per cent increase over the 1.436 billion dollars reported in the first quarter of 2024.

    Ayeni said that the volume also increased to 2.416 million metric tonnes, representing a 24.3 per cent increase from the 1.937 million metric tonnes recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

    She further stated that a total of 236 different products were exported in the first half of the year.

    This, the director-general said, represented an increase of 16.83 per cent compared to the 202 distinct products exported in the first half of 2024.

    She said that the products exported included agricultural commodities and extractive industries as well as manufactured and semi-processed products.

    “However, it is pertinent to state that the non-oil export of Nigerian products is gradually diversifying from traditional agriculture exports to semi-manufactured products,” she said.

    Ayeni noted that based on the data received from Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs), of the top 20 products exported in the first half of this year, cocoa beans was the highest

    She said that the product had 34.88 per cent value in terms of total export compared to 23.18 per cent for the same period in 2024.

    “Urea/fertiliser came second with 17.65 per cent as against 13.78 per cent for the first half of 2024,” she added.

    The director-general said that African Continental Free Trade Area  (AfCFTA) had helped in providing wider market access and tariff relief for Nigerian exporters.

    She also said that the council had some export intervention programmes, such as capacity-building on quality and standards, packaging and labelling, export documentation and certifications.

    “During the period under review, the council also facilitated market access and market linkage programmes for our exporting companies, thereby, giving their products more visibility in the global market.

    “The growth in value-added exports improved earnings, as more exporters are now imbibing the culture of value addition to their products.

    “The rising demand from emerging economies, such as India, Brazil, Vietnam and Africa have, however, increased Nigeria’s non-oil export volumes and diversity,” she said.

    Ayeni expressed the council’s commitment to working with Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and other relevant stakeholders to sustain the strong performance by increasing the volume and value of non-oil exports from Nigeria.

    The efforts, she said, were in alignment with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policy drive of the ministry.

  • Nigeria’s trade volume records 20.7% growth – NEPC

    Nigeria’s trade volume records 20.7% growth – NEPC

    The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has announced that the country’s trade volume in 2024 reached 7.2 metric tons, with a 20.7 per cent increase in value, totaling 5.45 billion dollars.

    Dr Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, made this statement during the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment’s retreat for the presentation of the 2025 roadmap on Monday in Abuja.

    “In terms of value, we grew by 20.7 per cent to 5.45 billion dollars, and we are now represented in 126 countries.

    “This is a clear indication that Nigeria is making significant progress.

    “The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu is making a positive impact, and our efforts are showing results.

    “We expect even better performance in 2025 as we continue to strengthen our drive,” Ayeni said.

    Ayeni highlighted that the NEPC’s mandate was to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil dependency by promoting non-oil exports.

    She emphasised the council’s commitment to building the capacity of exporters, from the farm gate to market access.

    “We are dedicated to working with exporters, improving their capacity in good agricultural practices, and ensuring we achieve the council’s mandate,” Ayeni said.

    She said in 2024, the NEPC conducted about 629 capacity-building programmes across the country, partnering with development organisations and agencies.

    Ayeni stated that the council was working across all borders, from the North to the South and West, to mainstream export efforts.

    “By mainstreaming these initiatives, we aim to increase the volume and value of non-oil exports, which will, in turn, help to build the capacity of exporters.

    “We also want to offer international certifications to our exporters free of charge, enabling them to access niche markets and sell their products globally,” she said.

    Additionally, Ayeni emphasised the NEPC’s focus on connecting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with experienced exporters, offering training in various skill programmes.

    “Our commitment to these efforts will significantly contribute to increasing the volume and value of Nigeria’s non-oil exports,” she said.

  • Nigeria’s exports hit N2.7bn in 6 months – NEPC

    Nigeria’s exports hit N2.7bn in 6 months – NEPC

    The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), says  exporters raked in ₦2.7 billion from January to June. The Executive Director of NEPC,  Nonye Ayeni, said this at a one-day sensitisation seminar for exporters on export contracts and use of International Commercial Terms ( INCOTERMS) organised by the council in Owerri, on Thursday.

    Ayeni, represented by the Coordinator of NEPC in Imo, Mr Anthony Ajuruchi, said that the profit was an indication of the hard-work and commitment of non-oil exporters in the country.

    She said that the workshop was necessary to equip exporters with requisite knowledge of INCOTERMS as they hold the key to unlocking successful global trade transactions and improving product competitiveness.

    “Understanding INCOTERMS plays a vital role in international trade, providing a standardised framework for buyers and sellers to communicate and mange their responsibilities and liabilities.

    ”By understanding the 11 INCOTERMS rules, businesses can clarify their obligations and risks with a view to minimising misunderstandings and disputes,” she said.

    Ajuruchi said that in line with NEPC’s motto of doubling exports for economic growth and job creation, export negotiation should be done in a way that satisfies all parties in a business and convinces the buyer of the comparative advantage of a seller’s product.

    He advised exporters to plan well ahead of a business negotiation, define their ground rules, make a good impression, have a good bargaining power, discover the actual needs of a client and build trust.

    “When negotiation is good, concerned parties go home happy, but when it is bad, the reverse is the case. All of these lie in the hands of the exporter, ” he said.

    Also soeaking, the Chairman, Imo Exporters Summit, Eze George Ekeh, said exports were more crucial to the country’s economic recovery than ever before.

    Ekeh, also the traditional ruler of Ishi Ubommiri Autonomous Community, Mbaitoli council area of Imo, advised exporters to package their products properly and attract the right buyers for better pricing.

    One of the exporters, Mr Uche Chikata, the Managing Director of St. Ann’s cashew nut industry, thanked NEPC for the workshop, adding that it would enable exporters in the state increase their income target in the final quarter of  2024.

  • NEPC seeks increased financing for exports

    NEPC seeks increased financing for exports

    The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has urged financial institutions to support export activities to boost the economy and create more jobs in Imo.

    NEPC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, said this at a one day export financing technical round table organised by the council in collaboration with the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) in Owerri, on Saturday.

    Ayeni, represented by Mr Anthony Ajuruchi, the NEPC Trade Promotion Advisor in Imo, said it was necessary for Nigerians to grow local products for foreign consumption in view of current global economic conditions.

    He noted that it would be difficult for those interested in joining the export business in the light of current economic challenges, to achieve successful setups without financial assistance.
    Ayeni called on the GTB and other financial institutions to provide accessible modalities for ease of doing business which Nigerians could easily key into.

    He assured exporters of funding plans by export funding partners and urged them to double their efforts in 2024 in line with the NEPC’s new mantra, “Double our Export for Economic Growth and Job Creation”.

    “Our exporters are ready; all we ever ask is that they be given the opportunity for growth through holistic support.
    “As a nation, we must grow our non oil exports to enable us reduce dependence on petroleum and overcome current global economic challenges he said,” he said.

    Also speaking, GTB’s representative at the event, Mr Chinonso Ngana, lamented the inability of borrowers to repay loans within the agreed time as an impediment to export financing.

    Contributing, the Chairman, Imo Exporters’ League, Eze George Eke, urged export financing partners to prioritise farmers and exporters from the scratch rather than wait for them to attain a high level in their businesses before expressing interest in financing them.
    Miss Ngozi Okechukwu, the Managing Director, Array Ventures, a consultancy firm, advised manufacturers and exporters to embrace cooperative efforts.

    This, she said, would avail them the opportunity to benefit from financing made available by export funding partners for local production of exportable products.

  • Export council offers solution to stop Naira from further depreciation

    Export council offers solution to stop Naira from further depreciation

    The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said improved export remains the solution to the free fall of the Naira to the dollar.

    The Executive-Director of NEPC, Dr Ezra Yakusak, said this at a news conference heralding the Council’s second National Conference on Non-Oil Exports.

    According to Yakusak, with increased export from Nigeria, the Naira will gain value at the international market.

    “The only way the Naira will stop falling is through increased exports. When you export, you add value and your currency gains weight,” he said.

    Yakusak said that the need to increase the country’s export capacity necessitated the NEPC to organise the second National Conference on non-oil exports.

    According to him, the conference, with the theme “Building a Sustainable National Economy through Non-Oil Exports”, is scheduled from Oct. 4 to Oct. 5 in Abuja.

    “It is expected to bring stakeholders from the public and private sectors to brainstorm on ways to further improve the country’s export capacity,’’ Yakusak said.

    He added that the theme of the event reinforces the need to keep the conversation on the revitalisation of the economy on the front burner.

    “Expediency dictates that the vagaries and vulnerabilities around oil which has placed uncertainties on what future it beholds, means that Nigeria must seek other ways of diversifying her economy.

    “In this regards, consistent stakeholder engagement, using the conference as a pivot for galvanising policy makers, economic pundits, development partners and more importantly, the exporting community is key to proffering solutions to some of the challenges affecting the sector.

    “This is especially in the area of trade facilitation, access to affordable finance and the issue of infrastructural deficit,’’ Yakusak said.

  • NEPC advises farmers on production of cash crop for export

    NEPC advises farmers on production of cash crop for export

    The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on Friday advised farmers to prioritise the production of economic crops and trees to tap from the huge potential of export to international market.

    The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the council, Dr Ezra Yakusak, gave the advice while interacting with Southern Kaduna Journalist Forum who visited him in his office in Abuja.

    Yakusak said that cultivation of economic trees like cashew and palm trees has a huge export potential and urged farmers to key in and reap the benefits.

    He said that the council would provide the needed awareness, technical support, capacity building and tips on how to access the international market through export.

    According to him, with economic crops and trees, farmers will make more money through export and use part of the profit to buy food with so much change in the bank.

    “Farmers can pool their small farmlands into clusters covering 10 to 20 hectres of land to either cultivate cashew or palm trees to be able to access technical and input supports.

    “If the farmers can come together, we will support them with improved seedlings, train them on how to plant, the spacing and provide other technical support to ensure success.

    “After that, we will sensitise the farmers on how the produce will be exported to other countries to earn more money and foreign exchange for the country,” he said.

    He commended the journalists for partnering with NEPC to create the needed awareness on how to tap from the available opportunities through the export of economic crops.

    Earlier, Mr Ango Bally, Chairman of the forum, said that the visit was to congratulate the executive director on his appointment and to offer their support.

    Bally explained that the members of the forum were drawn from different local government areas of southern part of Kaduna State, working in reputable media organisations in different parts of the country.

    He added that members were working across print, electronics, and online media platforms owned by both government and private individuals or groups.

    He said the forum would partner the council to sensitise farmers on how to cultivate economic crops for export.

    “We will also sensitise and mobilise farmers and Nigerians to key into the lucrative export business,” Bally said.

    The chairman added that Southern Kaduna was producing one of the best ginger species in the world.

    He, however, said that middlemen from other parts of the country reap more of the benefits at the expense of the farmers through exports of the commodity to other parts of the world.

    He stressed the need for the farmers to be enlightened on how they could make more money in the ginger value chain with focus on export, adding that the journalist forum would help significantly in that regard.

  • Nigeria economy can thrive without oil – NEPC boss

    Nigeria economy can thrive without oil – NEPC boss

    The Nigerian Export Promotion says the nation’s economy can thrive better without oil if the non-oil sector is prioritised.

    NEPC North Central Zonal Coordinator, Mr Samson Idowu, who stated this on Sunday in Jos, said that Nigeria is blessed with abundant non-oil resources ranging from agricultural produce to mineral resources.

    “If you look at the countries doing well globally today, they are not countries that are rich in oil. In fact, there’s a school of thought that oil is a course than a blessing for Nigeria.

    “The likes of Cocoa House, Liberty Stadium, Groundnut Pyramids and many other assets including the free education in Western Nigeria  were from our sweat from agriculture.

    “It is the discovery of oil at Oloibiri that brought us to where we are now that everybody is running to Abuja for brown envelope.

    “I can boldly say that we excelled without oil and we will thrive and even better if there is no oil,” he stated.

    Idowu expressed confidence that with the right policy, right support, right intervention and right focus, Nigeria economy would be on the right track.

    The coordinator stated that there were many calls for the country’s restructuring but what is needed is economic restructuring.

    According to him, all the regions should focus on what they have competitive and comparative advantage and depend less on Abuja.

    “So we shouldn’t wait for the oil to dry up before we take a step because the oil is drying up.

    He urged government not to wait untill the oil dries up before adequate attention would be given to non-oil sector.

  • CBN releases operating guidelines for its R200 policy

    CBN releases operating guidelines for its R200 policy

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has released guidelines for the operationalisation of its R200 policy.

    Recall that the apex bank recently initiated the R200 policy in an effort to reduce exposure to volatile sources of foreign exchange and to earn more stable and sustainable inflows.

    The policy is aimed at raising 200 billion dollars in Foreign Exchange (FX) earnings from non-oil proceeds over the next five years.

    Ozoemena Nnaji, Director of Trade and Exchange Department of the CBN, in a circular on Monday, said that a major anchor of the programme was the Non-Oil Export proceeds repatriation Rebate Scheme.

    Nnaji said that the rebate scheme was designed to incentivise exporters in the non-oil export sector to encourage repatriation and sale of export proceeds into the FX Market.

    She said that only exporters of finished and semi-finished goods were eligible for the incentive.

    “It is borne out of the need to develop new strategies aimed at earning more stable and sustainable inflows of FX, in order to insulate the Nigerian economy from shocks and FX shortages.

    “Exporters shall qualify for the rebates only where repatriated export proceeds are sold at the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) Window.

    “Eligible transactions that qualify for incentives under the Scheme shall be Export of finished and semi-finished goods wholly or partly processed or manufactured in Nigeria,” she said.

    The director listed registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and sale of repatriated export proceeds at the I & E window as part of the guidelines.

    She said that the guidelines would be subject to review from time to time as may be deemed necessary by the CBN.

  • Export Promotion Council plans return of groundnuts pyramids, Palm, cocoa produces revolution

    Export Promotion Council plans return of groundnuts pyramids, Palm, cocoa produces revolution

    From Ngozi Omah, Awka

    The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has expressed its desire and efforts towards the return of the nation’s agriculture dominated economic past with massive groundnuts pyramids in the North; huge Palm produce in the East; Cocoa and Rubber/Timber revolution in the West and Mid-West regions respectively.

    This, according to the Head of the Anambra State office of the Council, Mrs Jane Ego Ohiri remains key part of their drive towards sustained diversification of the nation’s economy through expanding and increasing of the non-oil exports for a surefooted general economic growth. That it’s reason NEPC has been going round sensitizing and training rural women farmers especially on certain commercial agriculture produces/production.

    Mrs Ohiri at a seminar organized for Anambra Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)at the Abatete Civic Centre in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State urged them to get back to the land and get busy with their hands for local needs and export.

    The well-attended seminar which was jointly organized by Madam Chinyere Ibezim and Mrs Tonia under the Women-Girl Child Poverty Eradication Nigeria Initiative in conjunction with Ifemelumma Cooperative Society was to come in phases, so as to get all rural women sensitized, trained and engaged in money-yielding ventures as added source of income for sustenance of their families and the society.

    Admiring some of the completed tailoring, weaving and beading products; as well as some agricultural output including palm oil, crayfish, dried/smoked fish packaged by some of the participants, Mrs Ohiri who went round the stands with some of the women leaders said that the Council was aimed at getting every citizen especially the women become fully engaged and self reliant.

    She stated that her office has continued to tour the state sensitizing, training and providing very substantial grants to SMEs, women and those under cooperative groups to strengthen, expand and diversify their endeavors.

    While commending those that displayed some of their products, the Head of the Anambra office of NEPC charged all the participants to attend the next seminar with their own products. That it’s then she would know they absorbed her messages.

    According to her, “we are committed towards promoting steady increase of non-oil exports. That’s why we organize these trainings, capacity building, seminars and workshops.

    “We are encouraging all citizens and SMEs to endeavor to be self-reliant, just like in the past -groundnuts pyramids in the North, Palm produce in the East, Cocoa and Rubber/Timber in the West and Mid-West respectively.

    Ohiri disclosed that all companies involved in export business have been mandated to register with the Council and obtain Export Certificate. That the registration and printing of the generated certificate are done online without going through any middleman or agent at all. That payment was done in any bank of one’s choice.

    She warned that any Certificate obtained through a third party would be rejected, hence valueless. But that anyone is free to approach her office for further clarification at any stage.

    The women, Mrs Ohiri noted, enjoys a special “Support for Women”, but that all participants must register with the NEPC, and are free to organize themselves in groups under cooperative so as to qualify for grants.

    Under this Support for Women, “you can also request for experts from their office or other cooperating partners to come and teach/train you in any chosen area, free. We recently organized such special training for Palm oil production in Awka, when experts from the National Institute for Oil Research (NIFOR) came and taught participants.

    She pointed out that any registered export participant who runs into any difficulty would be sorted out by the Federal Government, even if it’s with the foreign partners. Virtually all products that were hitherto looked down upon by the citizens were now exportable and yield huge returns in hard currency -pepper, orange, cucumber, zobo, uda, cocoa yam, different vegetables, potato, yam, cassava chips/pellets/flour/tapioca/garri/starch/glucose, kola-nuts, cotton fibers, cashew nuts, cocoa beans, gum Arabic, Egusi, sesame seed, lemon grass, shea nuts/butter, aloe Vera, bitter kola, ginger, coffee, etc. There are also service exports like native medical Doctors, Consultants, Nigerian wears, Tailors, actors/actresses, hair weavers, Nurses, Nannies, etc.

    She disclosed also that the Council would assist in providing off-takers for any product.

    She used the opportunity to list out the items on the export prohibition list. They included timber, hides/skin, live animals, masquerades

  • Non-Oil Exports: Fidelity Bank, NEPC, LBS Trains 100 MSMEs In Kano

    Fidelity Bank Plc, top Nigerian lender is training over 100 SMEs at the 8th edition of the highly acclaimed Export Management Programme (EMP) with the aim of providing impactful, world-class support to Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kano State.
    Organised by the bank in strategic partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Lagos Business School (LBS), this programme currently in its third year was designed specifically to enhance the competitiveness of export-oriented businesses.
    The programme has since graduated over 400 entrepreneurs who have transitioned from base level export experience to becoming established exporters with extensive export market footprints.
    Since the commencement of the programme in 2017, the bank had always planned to take EMP to other parts of Nigeria where there are critical mass market opportunities for exports.
    Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Bank’s Deputy Managing Director (DMD), Mohammed Balarabe commended the participants for enrolling for the programme, adding that it was smart investment decision in the light of emerging opportunities in the non-oil sector of the economy.
    “I am very confident that your business will benefit immensely from the insights and knowledge that the programme provides, with return on investment far exceeding the financial and economic costs of the programme to you” Balarabe said. Commenting on the rationale behind holding this edition in Kano, Mr. Balarabe noted that the decision was borne out of the need to exploit the massive potentials of the positioning of Kano as the hub for aggregation of agro commodities in Northern Nigeria.
    “Kano is the hub for agro commodity exports in Northern Nigeria and majority of these exports are done informally. We have brought this Programme closer to you to fully unlock the potentials of the Northern Exports market and help you gain the knowledge required to increase your market access” he said.
    Speaking in the same vein, the Regional Coordinator (Northwest) for NEPC, Mr Hassan Bala stated that the EMP 8 will help scale the capacity of existing and potential exporters to enable them participate fully in the non-oil export business in Nigeria. “The faculties we have gathered have the capacity and experience to assist the participants in achieving the target set for the programme. It is an invaluable training programme for all businesses interested in Nigeria’s foreign trade”.
    The Programme Coordinator and Lagos Business School Faculty Member, Dr. Frank Ojadi decried the over dependence of the country’s economy on oil exports.
    “The truth remains that Nigeria’s economy is overly dependent on the oil sector and this makes the prosperity of the economy reliant on crude oil prices. We need to concentrate on development of our non-oil export to increase revenues for the Government and generate employment for the populace.
    “We have the natural resources to be a world leader in exportation of several products and it all boils down to the matter of unlocking these potentials. This is one of the major reasons why we partnered with Fidelity Bank and NEPC to create a Programme that not only educates budding exporters, but also enhances the capacity of experienced Exporters to unlock new levels of the Export business. He explained that EMP is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools and skills required to develop their export businesses in line with global standards.
    “We have held seven (7) editions of this Programme in Lagos and majority of the participants have gone on to develop their Export businesses by leveraging on the information gathered. The facilitators will train the participants on how to package their products, development of supply chain and accessing overseas markets.”
    The EMP is one amongst a portfolio of innovative products and verticals that has positioned Fidelity Bank as one of the leading players in the Nigerian Non-Oil Exports space.