The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has urged stakeholders to collaborate towards developing the solid mineral sector through increased financial interventions.
Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, said this on Thursday in Kano at a stakeholders forum on financial solid minerals development in Nigeria. with the theme: “Accessing Financial Opportunities for Solid Minerals Export Competitiveness.”
Ayeni urged stakeholders to join hands with the council to boost exportation in Nigeria, help exporters attract foreign revenue, access financial institutions, and explore credit opportunities.
“This collaboration will in turn, increase the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The initiative is designed to boost the volume and value of solid minerals exports, ensuring revenue growth and economic sustainability,” she said.
The NEPC executive director explained that the council would facilitate access to new markets through international trade fairs, trade missions, solo exhibitions, and bilateral agreements.
She added that this would focus on penetrating emerging markets while strengthening its presence in traditional ones.
“This is a new chapter that will be defined by collaboration, innovation, and determination, hence the need to adopt a holistic approach that fosters sustainability, inclusivity, and competitiveness.
”To achieve this, we must prioritise several key areas, such as infrastructural development, capacity building, regulatory reform, market access and community engagements,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Amina Abdulkarim, NEPC’s North West Regional Coordinator, noted that financial interventions could drive sectoral growth.
According to her, sectoral growth could be achieved by enabling businesses to adopt new technologies, expand operations, and access international markets.
“Our goal is to not only support for individual businesses, but also to foster the development of an entire sector that drives job creation, revenue growth, and socio-economic stability,” she added.
Also, Hamza Safiyanu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Kano State, lauded the forum for exchanging ideas to enhance business opportunities in the sector.