Nigerian businesses exported 36 per cent value-added products in the first six months of 2022, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the upcoming NEPC Export Week scheduled to hold between November 21 and 26, 2022, the Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Ezra Yakusak, said export of primary products was valued at 33 per cent while semi-processed and manufactured products constituted 36 per cent.

He said the situation showed that Nigerian firms “are imbibing the value-addition culture in exports,” noting that his agency would continue to sensitise exporters on the need to ship out more value-added products.

He disclosed that the NEPC registered about 2000 new exporters within the first six months of 2022, which was higher than the figure achieved last year.

He said the export week would provide a path for business and sector-led activities to thrive while helping entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs, to look out for new opportunities in the sector. He noted that it would be vital for businesses to have the support and the information needed to become successful.

“The Export Week, which is first of its kind to be held by the Council, is in line with the current management’s strategic efforts of imbibing, sustaining and deepening an export culture in the non-oil export ecosystem. This we implement through series of engagements with key stakeholders within the exporting community and indeed the general public,” he said.

He enumerated some of the events for the week to include: launching of ‘Export4Survival’ campaign by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; a symposium on ‘Strengthening the Non-Oil Export Sector for National Development’, as well as an Export Inclusiveness Day for Women and Youths.