Non-Oil Exporters Solicit Government Support
In a bid to realizing the Nigerian dream of moving from the era of over reliance on oil exports, which remains the major revenue earner for the country. Non-oil exporters have urged the Federal Government to create favourable policies that will encourage them.
The Non-Oil exporters also highlighted the fact that the Nation’s non oil export sectors must begin to receive increased attention from the Government with a view to harnessing and improving the economic potentials of the Nation.
They stated this at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Dinner organized for them to acknowledge their outstanding achievements in export growth, product diversification and employment generation which have been key to Nigeria’s positive economic outlook.
Fifteen exporters were given awards by the NEPC, which included Sun and Sand Industries Africa Ltd., Lee Group, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods Plc, Beta Glass Plc, Sam & Sara Ventures Ltd., Bolawole Enterprises Nig. Ltd., Zenith International Bank Plc.
Others included Unique Leather Finishing Co. Ltd., Chi Ltd., Virgin Enterprises Nigeria Ltd., Mamuda Group, Bolawole Enterprises Nig. Ltd., Olam Nigeria Ltd., Agro Traders Ltd., Imoniyame Holdings Ltd., and RMM Global Company Ltd.
The Managing Director of Sun and Sand Industry, Mrs. Shweta Satija, one of the recipients of the award, called on the Federal Government to address the myriad challenges facing the non-oil exporters in the country.
Satija said lack of basic infrastructure, paucity of funds and unfavourable business environment, among others, had been the major challenges facing the non-oil products exporters in the country.
She further stated that “The infrastructures need attention to guarantee smooth operation of the non oil sector, there is also need for good policy in place for the sustainability of local manufacturers and producers in the tough competition globally”.
In a related development President Goodluck Jonathan at the command performance/dinner of the Abuja Carnival reassured Nigerians on the commitment of the Federal Government in driving the diversification of the economy improving the non-oil sectors.
With this statement it is expected that the Federal Government will match words with action by supporting the Non-Oil exporters with dynamic and innovative policies which will in turn effect the diversification process of the Nigerian economy.