'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — In a significant move to boost Nigeria’s export potential, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at establishing the Diaspora Export Market Place (DEMP). This initiative is designed to harness the contributions of Nigerians abroad to expand the country’s non-oil export sector.
A statement today by Gabriel Odu of the media and publicity unit disclosed that during a strategic meeting held at NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, emphasized the importance of engaging the diaspora in Nigeria’s export drive, particularly in the agricultural sector, which contributes 25% to the nation’s GDP and employs over 70% of the workforce. She highlighted that this partnership presents an avenue for Nigerians abroad to access and tap into the vast opportunities in the Nigerian export market.
"NEPC’s mandate focuses on coordinating and harmonizing export development and promotion activities, and this aligns perfectly with initiatives such as 'Seeing Beyond Borders' and 'Nigerian Heritage City,' which are geared towards fostering growth in the non-oil export sector," Mrs. Ayeni stated. She added that the Diaspora Export Market Place will provide valuable insights into market size and requirements, enabling Nigerians in the diaspora to understand and engage with the opportunities that exist within the country.
The Diaspora Export Market Place is envisioned as a platform to facilitate access to Nigerian products for global markets, particularly by leveraging the expertise and networks of Nigerians abroad. Mrs. Ayeni reiterated that the collaboration with NiDCOM will play a pivotal role in ensuring that this initiative contributes significantly to the diversification of Nigeria's export portfolio, moving beyond oil to include agricultural and other non-oil products.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, expressed her appreciation to NEPC for its proactive efforts in establishing the Diaspora Export Market Place. She acknowledged the critical role Nigerians in the diaspora already play in contributing to Nigeria's economy through the production and export of goods, particularly in sectors like agriculture and textiles.
"I urge Nigerians abroad to explore the vast opportunities in industries like textiles and not rely solely on imports from the Asian market," Dabiri-Erewa advised, highlighting the potential for Nigerians to build networks and strengthen trade ties in their host countries.
The partnership between NEPC and NiDCOM will be further highlighted at the 7th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), scheduled to take place from November 5–7, 2024. Mrs. Ayeni expressed optimism that NEPC’s participation in the event would provide a platform for deepening collaboration with the diaspora and open new avenues for investment and export promotion in Nigeria’s non-oil sector.
Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa also addressed the challenges posed by regulatory bodies in export processes, urging that these hurdles should not be viewed as obstacles but rather as challenges that can be overcome through stronger collaboration between Nigerian authorities and diaspora stakeholders.
The establishment of the Diaspora Export Market Place represents a significant step in bridging the gap between Nigerians at home and abroad, promoting the growth of the non-oil export sector, and driving economic diversification.
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