15 Exporters Get Award

Fifteen exporters were given awards by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) for their outstanding achievements in export growth, product diversification and employment generation.

The companies included Sun and Sand Industries Africa Ltd., Lee Group, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, Beta Glass Plc, Sam & Sara Ventures Ltd., Bolawole Enterprises Nig. Ltd., Zenith International Bank Plc.

Others included Unique Leather Finishing Co. Ltd., Chi Ltd., Virgin Enterprises Nigeria Ltd., Mamuda Group, Bolawole Enterprises Nig. Ltd., Olam Nigeria Ltd., Agro Traders Ltd., Imoniyame Holdings Ltd., RMM Global Company Ltd.

Mrs Shweta Satija, the Managing Director of SUN and Sand Industry, one of the recipients of the award, who spoke to newsmen recently, called on the Federal Government to address the myriad challenges facing the non-oil exporters in the country.

Satija said that lack of basic infrastructures, paucity of funds and unfavourable business environment, among others had been the major challenges facing the non-oil products exporters in the country.

The CEO said that there was the need for government to put in place policies to support exporters as well as embark on infrastructure development that would enhance the growth of the sector.

“The infrastructures need attention to guarantee smooth operation of the non oil sector, there is also need for good policy in place for the sustainability of local manufacturers and producers in the tough competition globally.

While commending the government for some of the measures put in place to assist the exporters, the Sun and Sand boss said that the company had put in place expansion programme that would usher into the country more investors.

“The collective team of management and workers of the company are working to spread its wings to invest in some other areas which include mining of precious metal like gold and tin in Nigeria. This step is toward backward integration

“Our goal is not only promoting business activities but more interested in integrating Indo-African communities together and make them understanding each other and strengthening their cultural ties to create a better image of Nigeria to attract global investors.”