Nigerian Students Urged to Embrace Non-Oil Exports by NEPC
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has called on Nigerian students to explore non-oil exports as a means of diversifying the nation's economy. The council launched a programme in collaboration with the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) to equip the students with the necessary skills and knowledge for success in the global market.
NEPC's initiative aims to encourage students to venture into exporting various goods and services that Nigeria has comparative advantages in, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
Speaking on the occasion, NEPC's Executive Secretary, Mr. Segun Awolowo, emphasized the importance of diversifying the economy away from solely relying on oil exports. He said, "Our focus on non-oil exports is to reduce the nation's dependence on crude oil and create more job opportunities for our youths."
The NEPC-NANS partnership will provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for students interested in non-oil export ventures. This collaboration aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate the global market and succeed in the export industry.
National President of NANS, Comrade Anya Ochu, expressed his organization's support for the initiative, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with NEPC to empower Nigerian students with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the nation's economic growth through non-oil exports."
The NEPC-led programme is expected to run for six months, covering topics such as market research, product development, packaging, and branding. Upon completion, participants are expected to be equipped with the necessary skills to explore non-oil export opportunities and contribute to Nigeria's diversification drive.
Through this initiative, NEPC aims to foster a culture of exporting in Nigeria and create a new generation of exporters, thereby reducing the reliance on crude oil and boosting the nation's economy.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>