Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr Ezra Yakusak, has said the non-oil sector remains the most viable tool for reviving the Nigeria’s economy.

Yakusak said this in Abuja at a media parley with members of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN)

While tasking the media take the message of the gains of export to all nooks and crannies, Yakusak also reiterated the resolve of NEPC to change the narrative and re-position the non-oil sector of the economy.

He said through its baby project “Export4Survival” campaign, Nigeria stands the opportunity to turn around her economy by spurring economic growth.

“Export4Survival is a patriotic call for all Nigerians to realise the urgency of engaging in a non-oil export trade as a viable means of economic growth, poverty alleviation, industrial development and boosting our foreign exchange earnings.”

He said the Media Parley become necessary in order to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the Media about NEPC saddled with the responsibility of developing and promoting non-oil export.

“This mandate, as you are aware, is key to realising the economic objectives of the present administration, which is targeted at diversifying the economy from a monolithic to a robust economy.

“There is no doubt that the theme of this retreat, “Diversification of the Economy: The Role of NEPC,” complements the Council’s strategic communications which seek to position the Council as a unique brand that aims to create a set of positive perceptions that not only represents what we stand for.

“To spearhead the diversification of the Nigerian Economy by expanding and increasing non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive growth”, but also the essence of what will be delivered or experienced by the exporting community and discerning public”.

Also speaking, Mrs. Evelyn Obidike, Director, Product Development, NEPC, emphasized the importance of value addition on Nigeria’s products and services, pledging the council’s dedication to developing new products such as groundnut cake, groundnut oil, Shea among others.

Obidike further buttress that most of Nigeria’s export rejects were plagued with poor packaging and labelling, which is why the council is investing so much in training small SMEs exporters on proper packaging and labelling of the products and services.

She further disclosed that under the NEPC’s programme tagged,”Go Global, Get Certified,” that 100 Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) across the country have been certified for export of products.

A Deputy Director, International Export Office, NEPC, Peter Njoku, advised exporters to ensure that they meet the standards and requirements of international buyers before shipping their products abroad.