Women urged to register businesses, meet global standards for export opportunities

by · The Eagle Online

In a significant call to action, Nigerian women entrepreneurs have been encouraged to register their businesses and ensure they meet global standards to access various Federal Government grants, including the She Trade initiative and the Weide grant, which offers between $30,000 and $500,000 for women in business.

This advice was shared by Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director/CEO of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Ayeni spoke during the Women Exporters Conference held at the NEPC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The conference, themed: “Strengthening Women-led Businesses for Resilience Recovery and Inclusive Economic Growth,” provided a platform for businesswomen from across the nation to network, discuss challenges, and seek solutions regarding the expansion and export of their products.

Ayeni emphasised the importance of proper documentation and compliance with international standards for women entrepreneurs looking to export their goods. 

She highlighted success stories of women who have benefited from NEPC’s initiatives, aligning with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

During the event, she showcased several made-in-Nigeria products that are ready for export, noting that many are already being shipped internationally.

She also mentioned the council’s efforts in training numerous women in small-scale businesses, many of whom have become employers of labour.

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Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), urged Nigerian women, particularly the youth, to engage with NEPC’s programs, emphasising the potential for self-employment through the export of goods and services. 

Dabiri-Erewa pledged NiDCOM’s partnership with NEPC to ensure that products meeting international standards are exported, capitalising on the large Nigerian diaspora.

In a goodwill message from the Presidency, Aliyu B. Sherrif, Special Adviser to the President on Export Expansion, commended NEPC for its efforts in empowering women entrepreneurs and assured that the presidency remains supportive of the council’s objectives.

Lucia Shittie, the MD/CEO of the Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board, expressed appreciation for the conference and indicated the willingness of TBS to partner with NEPC to promote the showcased products.

Mensa Nicole, who spoke virtually, highlighted the ongoing efforts to provide support to women in business, while Dame Pauline Tallen, former Minister for Women Affairs, echoed similar sentiments.

Chief Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO/Founder of Le Look Bags, shared her inspiring journey of how NEPC has facilitated her global export success, encouraging young Nigerian women to remain resilient and courageous in their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Nicholas Obasigie, the Head of Marketplace at Jumia Nigeria, announced that Jumia is collaborating with NEPC to market products from Nigerian businesswomen.

Dr. Maimuna Abdullahi Habib, Chairperson of She Farmers, praised NEPC for its outstanding work and committed to collaborating with the council to ensure that northern farmers produce high-quality products for the international market.

The conference featured lectures from various organisations, including the Nigeria Customs Service and Corporate Affairs Commission, as well as panel discussions with successful CEOs in the export sector. 

An Assistant Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service and directors from NEPC were present to address questions and provide insights.

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