To Improve Global visibility, Export standards, Edo Gov’t Strengthens SMEs

The Edo State Government, through its Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), has organized a series of capacity-building workshops for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout the state in an effort to improve business operations and the certification success rate of locally made products.

This has been done in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and other pertinent stakeholders.

The workshops were designed to address the persistent problems that lead to regulatory organizations rejecting and decertifying items; these problems have persisted in impeding local producers’ capacity to grow and export.

In order to prevent the regressive economic situation of export rejections among local producers, participants received education on crucial topics like quality control, appropriate packaging, compliance with regulations, and production methods that meet national and international standards.

Technical workshops were led by NAFDAC and SON facilitators, who emphasized the significance of upholding quality standards at every level of manufacturing. In order to increase the competitiveness of Edo-based goods in both domestic and international markets, they also offered comprehensive guidance on certification procedures and the actions required to guarantee regulatory compliance.

Mr. Joel Edionwe, the coordinator of the Edo State One-Stop Investment Center, emphasized that the workshops serve as forums for enhancing the human capacities of local producers in addition to encouraging regulatory compliance.

He asserted that by equipping SMEs with the knowledge and skills to meet international best practice and standards, Edo State is positioning itself to achieving greater global relevance through the export of high-quality goods.

The Coordinator of the Edo Licensed Exporters Association, Mrs. Rhones Peters, was among the participants, and she expressed gratitude for the initiative, acknowledging that many local producers have previously faced product rejections due to lack of knowledge about regulatory requirements.

The Managing Director of ESIPO, Hon. Amen Odigie, represented by Mr. Abraham Ose Akhigbe, reiterated the Edo State Government’s long-term commitments to support export-driven development, stating that the State boasts an export value of approximately $15 billion.

The workshops are regarded a key milestone in the State’s economic development program. The Edo State Government is enhancing the ability of SMEs and creating strong foundations for long-term economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness by equipping local producers with the necessary information and resources.

The Edo State Government and its partners have committed to supporting these capacity-building programs going ahead in order to make sure that local businesses prosper and make a significant contribution to the State’s economy and its standing in the international arena.