The Nigeria Export
Promotion Council (NEPC) says it has attracted orders from the United States to export Shea butter from its four commercialised processing centres in three states.
A Deputy Director in the council, Mr William Ezeagu, disclosed this while speaking with The Tide source in Ibadan, on Monday.
Ezeagu said that the council had also secured investors to utilise the centres in Oyo, Kebbi and Niger States.
“These centres— two in Oyo State and one each in Niger and Kebbi States—are well utilised and equipped in line with international best practices.
“As a result, we have attracted orders from the United States to export shea butter,’’ he said.
He further stated that NEPC was committed to enhancing the nation’s economic growth by changing the face of exportation from crude oil to agricultural products.
“For a viable economic growth, farmers should be encouraged in every sense and more attention should be paid to the exportation of agricultural products rather than crude oil.
“In view of this, we are conducting seminars and training programmes in various states for farmers and investors.
“We are also equipping farmers and processors with the right equipment so as to add value to their produce,“ he said.
Ezeagu, however, urged investors and farmers to ignore the challenges of exportation and rather remain steadfast, determined and focused.
“We are very lucky that most of our farmlands are fertile and all that we just need is encouragement and support,” he said.
He urged government to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with adequate finance.
“SMEs have a role to play in creating employment in the country and with adequate financing, farmers and investors can have access to loan facilities,” he said.