The Federal Government has expressed a renewed commitment to enhancing the quality of locally manufactured products, aiming to bolster Nigeria’s export capabilities and increase foreign exchange earnings.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, emphasized the significance of prioritizing the production, processing, and packaging of domestically made non-oil export commodities for the nation’s economic advancement and long-term sustainability. Addressing questions from journalists in Abuja, she discussed the government’s strategies to promote non-oil exports as a means to address the current foreign exchange shortage.
In her words, “There is a crucial need to initiate practical economic programs and implement trade policies that address matters such as job creation, wealth generation, inclusivity, and most importantly, policies that foster the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are pivotal contributors to the national economy.”
Dr. Anite underscored the collaborative efforts between the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and the agencies under its purview, aimed at fostering trade and advancing industrialization over the years. She highlighted the progress made through the Technical Committee on Export Rejects in partnership with the NEPC and other pertinent government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in providing valuable recommendations to curb rejections of Nigerian products in the global market. This has resulted in a significant reduction in rejected products from our export portfolios.
“This development not only safeguards Nigeria’s reputation as a dependable trading partner but also instills greater confidence in Nigerian products among international buyers,” she affirmed.
Dr. Anite emphasized the importance of the Domestic Export Warehouse (DEW) Project, a collaborative effort between the NEPC and other MDAs, as a strategic intervention to address supply-side constraints. The DEW serves as an integrated facility for product storage, packaging, labeling, pre-shipment inspection, and goods fumigation in preparation for transport to the ports.
“This project holds special significance for my Ministry, as it is tailored to support exporters in carrying out their pre-export operations within a facility, mitigating logistical challenges related to port congestion,” she explained.
The DEW Project, with its streamlined procedures and efficient logistics solutions, exemplifies the government’s innovative approach to enhancing the export sector and bolstering the competitiveness of Nigerian products in international markets, according to Dr. Anite.
She emphasized that the export of goods and services remains crucial in helping Nigeria overcome its current forex challenges, driving economic growth, promoting entrepreneurship, and generating employment opportunities.
