The Nigerian Export
Promotion Council (NEPC) has promised to partner with the Delta Government on its Delta Beyond Oil initiative, for rapid economic development.
The Benin Zonal Controller of NEPC, Mrs Etokowho Uduak, made the remark when she visited the Warri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WACCIMA) in Warri, Delta.
Uduak said the decision was necessary, in view of the Federal Government’s position in diversifying the nation’s economy through adequate development of the non-oil sector.
“NEPC wants to collaborate with the WACCIMA, just as the council is doing at the national level, to develop the non-oil export base of the nation’s economy.
“The Federal Government is creating an enabling environment for exportation of non-oil products and services which will go a long way in addressing the nation’s unemployment challenges.
“The council is helping the private sector in identifying these products, process them to some extent, before exportation and thereby adding value to them.
“We are ready to partner with the people to ensure that the quality meets global standards because we are here to build the Nigerian brand for the world.
“We are willing to work with the Chamber, the export community in Warri and indeed, Delta, to ensure that we fill these gaps,’’ she said.
Uduak said that the Federal Government had selected thirteen agricultural produce to explore at the moment, adding that other produce would also be considered in due course.
Responding, President of WACCIMA, Mr Simon Asite, commended Uduak for the visit and the enlightenment.
Asite noted that over dependence on oil had affected the development of the non-oil sector of the economy.
“Now that the oil price is declining at the international market, this is an opportunity for government to diversify into other sectors of the economy.
“On our part, we will take advantage of this enlightenment to sensitise the people on the need to key into the government policy on the development of the non-oil sector,’’ he added.