South-East urged to embrace export business

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, have urged South-East residents to embrace export business to boost GDP and reduce poverty.

NEPC Executive Director, Nonye Ayeni, made the call in her keynote address on Thursday at the four-day Export Business Roundtable South-East 2025 in Enugu.

Ayeni noted in her speech that the forum explores unlocking South-East’s export potential through networking, connectivity, technology, and digital marketing to deliver high-quality export commodities globally.

She highlighted the region’s abundance of agricultural products, grown using organic farming methods. These are in high demand globally, but need to be expanded commercially.

“The South-East has great export potential. Our products are natural and in demand. We just need to educate and mentor people in export business,” Ayeni said.

She added that international cash crops, local minerals, and high-demand vegetables are abundant. Exporting these could turn the region into a major export hub.

“South-East has the capacity to lead in exports and transform poverty into prosperity,” Ayeni said. She called for a focus on agriculture following international best practices.

Read also: NEPC, ICRITR boost exports, conduct training for traders, exporters in Anambra

“NEPC will offer mentorship, technical support, and international certifications for aspiring exporters in the South-East,” Ayeni said, aiming to help grow the region’s export sector.

On his part, the Obi of Onitsha urged the people to embrace the export business. He called for leveraging the region’s innovation and industry to excel in exports.

He also said the South-East, a leader in commerce, should aim to lead in exports. Achebe urged participants to absorb the knowledge shared for community benefit.

Also, Queen Okpa, CEO of DGC Express, emphasised the need for networking and connectivity to aggregate exportable products.

She stressed following best practices in organic agriculture to earn carbon credits.

Similarly, the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, called on all to invest in export businesses. He highlighted the need to fully utilise available land for exports.

Asadu, represented by Igwe Uchenna Anikwe, said mass cultivation could eliminate unoccupied land and reduce crime. He encouraged the region to strive for self-sufficiency and productivity.

The Export Business Roundtable, organised by NEPC and Denca Global Courier Services Ltd., will feature export clinics for Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.

It will also showcase an Export Creative Day, highlighting exportable creative products and the role of the creative industry in export diversification.