EEG Backlog Near Resolution, NEPC Tells Exporters

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil export sector through closer collaboration with exporters and the organised private sector, while assuring stakeholders that significant progress has been made in addressing outstanding Export Expansion Grant (EEG) claims.

Speaking at the Exporters’ Town Hall Meeting held at the Council’s South-West Regional Office in Apapa, Lagos, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC said the engagement was aimed at fostering dialogue with exporters, identifying industry challenges and opportunities, and developing practical solutions to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets.

He said the meeting aligns with the Council’s drive to accelerate non-oil export growth through its “Double Your Export” campaign, noting that exporters remain central to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

The NEPC boss highlighted the strong performance of the non-oil export sector, describing it as a reflection of the resilience, innovation and commitment of Nigerian exporters.

He said the country’s export community has continued to expand its global footprint by supplying a wide range of agricultural commodities, manufactured goods and solid minerals to international markets, demonstrating the growing acceptance of Nigerian products abroad.

According to him, the Council remains committed to creating an enabling environment for exporters through strategic programmes that improve product quality, strengthen competitiveness and expand access to global markets.

He listed initiatives such as the Cluster Export Development Programme, the Go Global, Go for Certification Initiative, the Export Mentorship Programme, the Informal Cross-Border Trade Programme, the Export 35 Redefined Strategy and the One State One Product Programme as some of the interventions supporting exporters across various value chains.

He added that these programmes have empowered entrepreneurs, women and young people through training, technical support, mentorship and market linkage opportunities, while also helping businesses meet international standards, reduce export rejections and leverage digital trade opportunities.

The Council noted that feedback from stakeholders at the town hall would help shape future policy implementation, improve service delivery and ensure that its programmes remain responsive to the evolving needs of the export community.

Emphasising the importance of non-oil exports to Nigeria’s economy, the NEPC chief said expanding exports remains critical to increasing foreign exchange earnings, creating sustainable jobs, promoting economic diversification and reducing dependence on crude oil revenues.

Addressing concerns over the Export Expansion Grant, he assured exporters that substantial progress has been made in resolving outstanding claims and expressed optimism that a positive announcement would be made soon.

He also disclosed that applications covering more recent EEG claims have already been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for the necessary processing, while preparations are underway for the submission of exporters’ baseline data for the next phase of the scheme.

He further announced that Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair, scheduled to hold in Lagos in 2027.

He described the development as a significant milestone that reinforces Nigeria’s growing status as a leading trade and investment destination on the continent.

According to him, the trade fair is expected to provide a platform for expanding market access under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), attracting investors, strengthening business partnerships and showcasing opportunities across key sectors of the economy.

He urged exporters and other stakeholders to actively participate in shaping practical solutions that will strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem, unlock new market opportunities and accelerate the country’s non-oil export growth.

The NEPC boss thanked stakeholders for their continued partnership and expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors would further position non-oil exports as a major driver of sustainable economic development in Nigeria.