COMMERCE MINISTRY, NEPC, AND STAKEHOLDERS STRENGTHEN EXPORT COORDINATION IN 4th QUARTER SCEP MEETING

‎COMMERCE MINISTRY, NEPC, AND STAKEHOLDERS STRENGTHEN EXPORT COORDINATION IN 4th QUARTER SCEP MEETING
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‎By Taiye Bayode
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‎In line with the Government’s commitment to expanding the state’s non-oil export base and aligning with the National Export Promotion Drive, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, convened the 4th Quarter Meeting of the “State Committee on Export Promotion” (SCEP) on Tuesday, 11th Nov. 2025 at the State Ministry, Lokoja, Kogi.
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‎The meeting which focused on improving coordination among stakeholders, addressing export challenges, and enhancing the ease of doing business for exporters across the state, was declared open by the SCEP Chairman, and Permanent Secretary, Hon. Lamidi Salihu.
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‎Emphasizing that the session serves as a platform to evaluate progress, review strategies, and align collective efforts toward growing Kogi State’s export potential, the Chairman who was represented by the Director, Admin, Mr. Ejeh Michael, stated that the Committee remains central to the state’s ongoing non-oil export agenda, thus urging participants to actively contribute ideas that will further open up opportunities for local producers and exporters.
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‎The Hon. Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, Hon. Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, on his part, appreciated members for their continued commitment to the export development drive.
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‎Hon. Shuaibu reaffirmed the state government’s determination, under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to diversify Kogi’s economy through trade expansion, industrial development, and support for small businesses, while also describing the SCEP meeting as an engine for driving export readiness and bridging the gap between policy and implementation.
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‎The Commissioner added that Kogi is steadily positioning itself as a competitive export hub, particularly in agricultural and solid mineral commodities.
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‎Key highlights of the meeting included the presentation of a circular from the NEPC Headquarters, through the State Coordinator, Mr. Usenide Aniekpeno, announcing the inclusion of Solid Minerals as part of the One State One Product (OSOP) initiative nationwide.
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‎To address technical and operational challenges in the export chain, the Committee also constituted a five-member Technical Subcommittee comprising:
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‎- Mrs. Ruth Ngufan – NEPC
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‎- Alh. Yakubu Mohammed – KOSCEPA
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‎- Comrade Rajan Suleiman – Kogi Shippers’ Association
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‎- Mr. Edwin Ignatius – Nigerian Shippers’ Council
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‎- Mr. Oluwatimilehin A. Joash – Ministry of Commerce & Industry
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‎The subcommittee was tasked with developing workable recommendations to strengthen export certification, logistics, and value addition across sectors.
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‎Members also suggested the creation of a State-Level SME Help Desk in partnership to assist entrepreneurs in securing necessary product certifications and meeting export standards.
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‎The Honourable Commissioner reaffirmed that the Ministry will continue to work closely with the NEPC, Shippers’ Council, and other relevant agencies to improve coordination and infrastructure for export activities.
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‎Furthermore, the NEPC State Coordinator, Mr. Usenide Aniekpeno, commended the synergy among stakeholders and assured that NEPC would sustain its support through training, capacity-building workshops, and export promotion initiatives in 2026.
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‎In his closing message, Mr. Ejeh Michael, on behalf of the SCEP Chairman, appreciated members for their commitment and assured them of better coordination and timely implementation of resolutions.
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‎The meeting ended with optimism for a more structured and action-driven export framework in 2026, focused on collaboration, solid minerals development, and value addition to position Kogi State as a strong player in Nigeria’s export economy.
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‎Taiye Bayode
‎Information Officer
‎Ministry of Commerce & Industry