By Matthew Denis and Mariam Adeshina
Towards ensuring standardisation of products for exportation, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has held an ‘Export Clinic’ in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The event which was held last Wednesday was aimed at training exporters on products rebranding and upgrading before exportation.
The programme was attended by no fewer than 50 exporters who participated in the training held at Princess Luxury Hotel, Ilorin.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the training session, the Export Promotion Advisor of Ilorin Smart office, Mr Andrew Okhiulu said the seminar was organized to create awareness because lot of agricultural activities are going on in Kwara State.
“As registered exporters, we are sensitising them on the need to produce and repackage products and specialise for export activities. This will generate more income, labour and employment,” he said.
The Advisor noted that about 40 registered exporters participated in the programme aimed at enlightening them on the benefits of turning raw goods to economical goods.
He stressed that they need to develop product specialisation and make their produce suitable for international market right from the planting stage.
“There is high competition in the global market, so the products must be suitable for international market because there are photo sanitary issue, production issues and packaging issues that needs to be addressed for the export market,” he added.
The Coordinator of Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Interstate control, Kwara States Command, Mr. Bright Osemobor Ohilebo noted that the office has mandate to inspect products meant for exportation.
He said ” If the product inspected by our officers is good for export, a certificate will be given for the products to avoid any form of problem when the products get to its destination in European countries.
He advised exporters to follow the proper procedures whenever they want to export any product in order to be guided on what to do about the products they want to export to avoid loss.
The Deputy controller of Customs in charge of Revenue, Kwara Command, Mr Nasir Zakari,who was represented by officer Onigbanjo Olawale revealed that in the last one year they were able to process three exporting products in the state.
