By Felix Khanoba
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has expressed its unwavering commitment to reposition the non-oil sector as a mainstay of Nigeria’s economy.
The Executive Director of NEPC, Dr Ezra Yakusak, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a media retreat organised by the Council for Commerce and Industry Correspondents of Nigeria (CICAN).
Ezra said the retreat with the theme : “Diversification of the Economy: The role of NEPC”, was organised as part of the Council’s media relations with a view to deepening knowledge and undertanding of the agency’s mandate respeonsible for the development and promotion of non-oil export.
His words : “There is no doubt that the theme of this retreat “Diversification of the Economy: The Role of NEPC” complements the Council’s strategic communications which seeks to position the Council as a unique brand that aims to create a set of positive perceptions that not only represents what we stand for – ‘To spearhead the diversification of the Nigerian Economy by expanding and increasing non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive growth’, but also the essence of what will be delivered or experienced by the exporting community and discerning public.”
While calling on Nigerians to support current efforts by NEPC to boost export of Nigeria’s products, Ezra said such efforts would ensure a robust economy in the country.
” What matters most presently is the need to promote the “Export4Survival” campaign – which is a patriotic call for all Nigerians to realize the urgency of engaging in non-oil export trade as a viable means of economic growth, poeverty allieviation, industrial development and boosting our foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
He challenged the media to drum up more support on programmes and programmes aimed at ensuring that various products being produced in the country are fully embraced in the international market.
“As conveyors of information, the media has a crirical role to play in not just promoting NEPC activties and programmes but also creating awareness of the opportunities in the non-oil sector and sensitizing the exporting community and the general public on the need to embrace export as our only means of survival as a nation.
“Therefore, as information and communication professional, you have a great responsibility to set the agenda for national conversation towards issues that are critical to the well-being of the citzenry,” Ezra said.
The AUTHORITY reports that the retreat witnessed presentations by directors of various departments in NEPC as well as questions and answers session.
