In a decisive move to boost Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) conducted an intensive export readiness training for entrepreneurs during the maiden edition of the Lagos Mainland Trade Fair.
The event, held last week, attracted a diverse mix of vendors, industry stakeholders, and public figures, all eager to understand the intricacies of taking Nigerian products to global markets.
Senior Trade Officers at NEPC, Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde, led the sessions, providing step-by-step guidance on export procedures while emphasizing the importance of compliance with international standards.
Participants were trained on documentation, quality certification, packaging requirements, and regulatory approvals necessary to penetrate foreign markets.
Okpa noted, “Entrepreneurs must understand that international trade requires more than just a product—it demands adherence to global standards, meticulous planning, and strategic marketing.
NEPC is committed to equipping businesses with these essential skills.”
Monalisa Aze, CEO of Mona Matthews and curator of the trade fair, described the initiative as “timely and critical for the growth of Nigerian businesses.” She added, “Vendors will now be more confident in navigating the exportation process.
Through exportation, entrepreneurs can expand their businesses beyond local boundaries and tap into global opportunities, boosting Nigeria’s non-oil revenue.”
Adding her voice, media personality and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, Janet Afolabi, praised NEPC’s intervention, stating that it would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic stability.
“Promoting non-oil exports will reduce the country’s vulnerability to fluctuations in oil prices and increase foreign exchange earnings,” she said.
The trade fair also hosted officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), who sensitized participants on the importance of product registration and safety compliance.
The presence of notable personalities, including gospel singer Tope Alabi, enhanced the visibility of the event and inspired entrepreneurs.
Vendors expressed overwhelming appreciation for the fair. Enobong Ezekiel, CEO of Coreal8, highlighted the exposure and networking opportunities gained.
“The fair provided an ideal platform to connect with customers and potential partners.
The organizers created a vibrant atmosphere conducive to showcasing our products effectively,” he said.
Aze expressed her delight at the fair’s success, emphasizing that the event demonstrated how determination and strategic interventions could create lasting business impact.
“The enthusiasm of vendors showcased the creativity and innovation present in Lagos Mainland.
This is a clear sign that Nigerian entrepreneurs are ready to scale their businesses internationally,” she said.
Afolabi described the debut fair as a “breakthrough in fostering enterprise and innovation.”
She remarked, “The energy was incredible, and it is heartening to see the entrepreneurial community coming together to celebrate their achievements. We are committed to building on this momentum for future editions.”
NEPC’s initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic diversification agenda, aimed at reducing reliance on crude oil revenues while boosting exports of goods such as agricultural produce, textiles, and consumer products.
By equipping entrepreneurs with export skills, NEPC is actively creating pathways for sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and enhanced foreign exchange inflows.
Experts believe that such training programs are pivotal in addressing common export challenges, including lack of awareness of international standards, poor packaging, and limited access to trade finance.
With NEPC’s continued support, Nigerian entrepreneurs are better positioned to navigate these barriers and achieve successful market entry abroad.
The Lagos Mainland Trade Fair has set a benchmark for similar initiatives nationwide, emphasizing the value of capacity building, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder collaboration.
NEPC’s commitment to fostering export-ready entrepreneurs represents a strategic step toward positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global trade ecosystem.