The Nigerian Export Promotions Council (NEPC), south-south zone, held a one-day workshop in Port Harcourt where it encouraged Nigerians that now is the time to actively pursue exporting rather than imports. Nigerians were made aware of the deteriorating economic conditions and lack of foreign currency through the workshop designed to teach exporters from the south-south and company owners how to write bankable business plans.
The best course of action for Nigerians, according to Eniola Yemi Temidayo, an expert in export operations from the Department of Management at the University of Port Harcourt (where entrepreneurial and management courses are offered), and an innovation and enterprise consultant who was formerly the coordinator of the Uniport Business School.
Temidayo represented Ofon Udofia, the executive secretary of the Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM) to provide the training. While considering for
Import Export “This is the time to export. Forex should be brought in since importers are struggling. It's time to test the export-for-import system, or "E for I," he said.
Web sales, one of the numerous sorts of sales available to business owners and exporters, are very essential, according to the university lecturer and export consultant. He emphasised customer service as well, saying, "You must treat your overseas customers with exceptional attention."
He said, "Danger could one day knock unless you have control over at least 80% of supply, either you farm or you are nice with the producers of your commodities. Try to farm the things you export, or try to work well with farmers.
He also mention that the soiled image of Nigeria is affecting export transactions as most countries are scared of Nigerians. “They thus mention extra huddles and verify when dealing with exporters from Nigeria. Australia and Dubai import a lot of food products but their regulations are very strict.”
The NEPC decided it was important to provide this workshop for exporters and walk them through everything they need to do in order to create and submit a proposal that would allow them to receive the appropriate attention. Additionally stated that NEPC wouldn't be the one to direct anyone, but that they could offer advice on how it should be prepared: straightforward, with solid material that will scale.
Some of the attendees, particularly those from the Port Harcourt Exporters Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, led by Michael Bawa, praised the NEPC in the south-south but pleaded with the FG to find a solution to the financing issues facing new exporters who are prepared and trained but lack the significant funds required.
