The Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), has wrapped up a two-day technical workshop aimed at promoting cooperation within Edo State’s export ecosystem, in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision for achieving economic prosperity.
The purpose of the event, which took place on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Edo State One-Stop-Investment Centre (ES-OSIC), was to strengthen the state’s non-oil export industry. It included educational presentations, hands-on activities, and strategic conversations.
In his remarks, Hon. Amen Odigie, ESIPO’s managing director, thanked all of the attendees, financial institutions, and stakeholders.
He noted: “Our discussions over these two days have revealed key challenges, opportunities, and actionable steps needed to simplify the export process and support our MSMEs in accessing international markets,”
He then acknowledged the contributions of seasoned exporters, whose shared experiences provided invaluable guidance to aspiring businesses.
“To our financial institutions, we appreciate your commitment to supporting MSMEs with the necessary tools and funding to succeed in the global market,”
However, Hon Amen stressed that the workshop’s success hinges on translating knowledge into action.
According to him, “The real work begins now. The insights we have gained must translate to action. Let us leave here not just with knowledge, but with a renewed commitment to work together, foster partnerships, and create an Edo State that is recognized for its thriving, globally competitive export sector. This is part of the vision of His Excellency, the Governor. He wants MSMEs to thrive in Edo, that is why he came up with the ₦1-billion interest free loan to support market women. It is currently being handled by the Edojobs”
In closing, Hon. Amen reaffirmed the state’s commitment to diversifying its economy and attaining sustainable growth through non-oil exports by urging participants to keep working together for a better Edo export environment.
Okhiulu Andrew, the NEPC’s Edo State Coordinator, gave a presentation on the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s export portfolio, which was a major highlight of the second day.
Andrew stressed in his presentation, “An Overview of Export Operations in Nigeria,” that Nigeria’s non-oil export industry must diversify in order to provide the necessary foreign exchange profits to strengthen the country’s economy in light of the current low global oil prices. He emphasized how urgent it is to reduce the state’s overreliance on oil and make use of its wealth of non-oil resources.
Additionally, the course offered Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) priceless hands-on sessions. First Bank of Nigeria and Union Bank of Nigeria, two of the country’s leading financial institutions, held seminars on obtaining export-specific financial solutions, giving attendees the skills they needed to handle the challenges of financing foreign trade.
