The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has urged Ebonyi State to boost its contribution to Nigeria’s export earnings by unlocking the full potential of its solid minerals sector.
NEPC Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, made the call during a one-day workshop on developing solid minerals for export competitiveness in Abakaliki.
Mr Okechukwu Amaechi, Acting NEPC Coordinator in Ebonyi, represented her at the event.
Ayeni said Ebonyi has rich and diverse solid mineral deposits. She noted that the state earned the nickname “Salt of the Nation” because of its huge brine reserves.
She added that Ebonyi sits on major sedimentary formations with large deposits of metallic and non-metallic minerals. These include brine, lead, gold, baryte, gypsum and marble.
However, she said the state’s contribution to Nigeria’s export earnings remains far below its potential.
She stressed that the sector must contribute more to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She explained that the workshop would help solve challenges facing exporters.
The programme focused on trade regulations, quality standards, export documentation and export finance.
Workshop targets non-oil export growth.
Acting State Coordinator of NEPC, Mr Okechukwu Amaechi, represented by Senior Trade Promotion Officer Mrs Gloria Onwe, said the workshop aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on the non-oil sector.
He regretted that Ebonyi’s abundant mineral resources have remained under-explored for many years.
He said the state now has the opportunity to lead Nigeria’s solid minerals export drive.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ebonyi Ministry of Solid Minerals, Mr Jacob Akuma, urged participants to turn discussions into action.
He said stronger activity in the sector would support Ebonyi’s economic growth.
Participant Mr Jerome Ezeoba praised NEPC for organising the workshop. He also promised to apply the knowledge gained to improve export activities.
Experts delivered lectures on strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through export financing and other support packages.
Representatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), relevant ministries and artisanal mining groups also delivered goodwill messages.
External Links
Nigerian Export Promotion Council: https://nepc.gov.ng/
Standards Organisation of Nigeria: https://son.gov.ng/
Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development: https://solidminerals.gov.ng/
