NEPC charges exporters on market penetration for international business success 

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has charged exporters to devise market penetration strategies for the success of non-oil export business in the Country.

Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of the NEPC, gave the advice at a one-day workshop on export market penetration strategies, organised by the Council in Owerri, on weekend.

Ayeni, who was represented by Anthony Ajuruchi, the Imo Coordinator of the NEPC, spoke on the theme “Utilising Market Penetration Strategies for Increased Non-oil Export Market”, urged exporters to seek to penetrate international markets, establish reliable presence and sustain competitiveness so as to compete globally.

According to Ayeni, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a market of over 1.3 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product(GDP)  exceeding $3 trillion, provides a platform for the expansion of Nigerian businesses across Africa and beyond.

“Exporters must understand the dynamics of target markets, including consumer behaviour, regulatory standards, logistics and competitive positioning through persistent innovation and strategic thinking.

“NEPC remains committed to supporting exporters through targeted programmes, capacity building, export advisory services and market linkage initiative “, he said.

The Comfort Echebiri, State Coordinator of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria(SON), said that the organisation aids market penetration efforts by ensuring certification of products for global acceptance using its Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme.

Echebiri, represented by Ifeoma Diogu, an Assistant Standard Chief Officer, urged stakeholders to look out for and be assured of the quality of products with the, “Mark of Quality “ inscription on them.

Also speaking, Chinonye Moses, Imo Commissioner for Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition and Social Responsibility, who was represented by Amaka Umeh,
the Ministry’s Head of Skills Acquisition, urged youths in the State to identify with the Association of Imo Young Farmers and be able to gain “requisite competence” for business development.

Also Glory Ben-Chendo, Head of Fepartment, Agribusiness of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, advised undergraduates to develop a business mentality for post graduation survival.

Meanwhile, Milicent Anyanwu of the Technology Incubation Centre, Owerri, called on exporters to embrace the centre’s value-added technology to expand their market penetration opportunities for optimal trade.

This is as Martin Nwoga, Chief Operating Officer, Sochi Foods, commended the NEPC for continuously creating necessary awareness for the success of export business in Imo and Nigeria at large and for being, “an incredible partner in the success of Sochi Foods”.

Nwoga, a foremost Manufacturer and Exporter of Cassava Food Products thanked the NEPC and other Regulatory Agencies of Government such as NAFDAC, SON and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, for issuing relevant regulatory approvals and certifications to aid the company’s ease of operations.

He urged Nigerians to think more toward input into the economy rather than unending financial expectations from Government and advised potential exporters to align with relevant regulatory agencies.

“Government is a facilitator, and the individual must do his part and take advantage of relevant certifications from government to thrive”, he said.