Enhancing export: NEPC distributes 4,633 hybrid seedlings to farmers
By Vivian Emoni
The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says it distributed 4,633 hybrid seedlings to farmers across the country.
Dr Nonye Ayeni, Director-General of the NEPC, disclosed this while presenting the First Quarter Progress Report on the non-oil export performance for 2025.
Ayeni said that in Kogi, farmers benefited from oil palm seedlings as a start-up seed intervention to boost exports.
“In Akure, over 2,000 cocoa seedlings were distributed to farmers for the planting season.
“In Gusau, Zamfara State, groundnut seedlings were distributed to eight communities for cluster farming in the state.
“Also, in Bayelsa State, the council distributed 1,500 hybrid cocoa seedlings,’’ she said.
Ayeni further said that 1,100 coffee seedlings and 100 bags of organic fertiliser were distributed to 148 coffee farmers from Chaha and Vom communities in Plateau State.
The director-general said that NEPC was committed to ensure conformity to quality and standards, to curb rejects and reduce contract cancellation.
According to her, the council is working with International Trade Centre (ITC), Geneva, to validate the baseline study for sesame and cowpea value chains.
Ayeni said the council was selected as one of four Business Support Organisations in the world and only one in Africa, to implement phase one of the Women Exporters in Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.
“This 50-million dollars fund, launched in February 2024 by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will support Women-led Businesses to participate actively in global digital trade.
“Applications have begun in earnest and we encourage every women-led business to apply,” she said.
The DG said that to facilitate the ease of doing business and seamless documentation processes, the council registered a total of 1,129 new exporters.
She also noted that 16 exit points were used in the period under review to export non-oil products from Nigeria.
She added that approximately 95 per cent of the total non-oil exports were routed through seaports.
According to her, in total, six seaports, three international airports and seven land borders serve as exit points for Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
Ayeni said that the council would continue to strengthen its relationship with developmental partners and trade organisations.
“The council will continue its existing projects as well as new initiatives, all geared toward increasing the volume and value of non-oil export.
“The NEPC will remain to be committed in curbing rejects, promoting value addition, enhancing market access and strengthening partnerships.
“At NEPC, we remain resolute and committed to driving up the volume and value of non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka
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