The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) weekend sensitised youth in Akwa Ibom state with information on how to engage in international trade.
The council noted that the move was necessary due to the highly youthful population the country posses which could be leveraged to jerk up the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation.
The deputy director, Akwa Ibom state Coordinating Office of NEPC, Mrs Pauline Ndulaka, stated this during a one-day workshop for youth in Uyo.
Blueprint correspondent reports that the theme of the event is ‘Youth Empowerment on Export Development.’
She expressed worry that it was risky for the nation to depend on oil as a major source of income, adding that the country must gear up non-oil export as a second line of defense.
“The Nigerian Export Promotion has seen the need to enlighten and provide first-hand and reliable information to the youth because of the vital role the youth plays in the international market.
“This programme is aimed at institutionalising a special platform for Nigerian youth to effectively participate in the non-oil export sector of the economy, and create decent jobs for youth through breaking of barriers militating against their participation in non-oil export.
“Permit me to emphasise that the youthful population of Nigeria is one of the greatest assets of the country in its economic diversification in the nation’s socio-economic activities if we are to prepare Nigeria’s economy for a future without oil.”
Ndulaka stated that for the youth to contribute their quota in increasing the Nigerian GDP through non-oil export, they need to understand export procedures and documentation to avoid their products being rejected at the international market.
She assured that although doing business across borders could look challenging to beginners, NEPC was ready to guide youth exporters throughout the exportation journey.
Declaring the event open, the state permanent secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr. Oliver Udoukpo, expressed happiness that the state government’s partnership with NEPC has yielded good fruit over the years.
