A concerned Nigerian exporter, has raised alarms about the Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s (NEPC) recent shift in priorities under Mrs. Nonye Ayeni’s leadership.
In a formal petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other key government agencies, the exporter has called for an urgent investigation into NEPC’s partnerships and its growing focus on e-commerce, which he believes is straying from the agency’s core mandate.
Since Ayeni’s appointment as NEPC’s Executive Director/CEO in October 2023, the exporter claims the agency has deviated from its statutory role of promoting non-oil exports, providing technical assistance to exporters, and facilitating market access.
Instead, he highlights several concerns, notably the partnership with questionable entities, including those promoting e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba, and Shopify as primary export channels. “NEPC’s collaboration with organizations that lack export expertise raises serious doubts about its alignment with the needs of traditional exporters,” the exporter remarked.
A central issue raised is the legitimacy of companies like Easy Sales Export Nigeria Limited, which, despite being newly registered in 2024, claims to have secured a $270 million trade deal under the Nigeria-Saudi Arabia agreement.
He pointed out that official trade data for 2024 shows Nigeria’s total agro-export to Saudi Arabia was under $500,000, casting significant doubt on the company’s claim. He is demanding NEPC’s explanation and validation of this company’s activities.
The source also questioned the role of Rated Rolling Rab-World Nig. Ltd, another entity reportedly tied to Easy Sales Export Nigeria Limited. Despite its lack of proper registration with NEPC, it is allegedly endorsed as an export consultant. “How can NEPC justify endorsing companies that are not fully compliant with its regulations?” he asked in his petition.
Further raising concerns, the exporter pointed to a viral video in which an individual claims to have received $270 million from President Tinubu for facilitating a trade deal, with a subsequent NEPC-sponsored webinar promoting e-commerce as a catalyst for trade facilitation. He is demanding clarification from NEPC on whether President Tinubu indeed authorized such actions or whether the video and webinar claims are unfounded.
He is also critical of NEPC’s shift to online training and virtual platforms, which, he argues, exclude a significant portion of Nigeria’s exporter demographic. Many traditional exporters, including farmers and small traders, lack the technological skills to benefit from virtual training sessions. “Why has NEPC prioritized virtual training over its traditional mandate of in-person workshops, which are crucial for those who need direct guidance?” he asked.
These allegations are compounded by other long-standing issues facing Nigerian exporters. According to the source Nigerian goods are frequently rejected due to non-compliance with international standards, and logistical bottlenecks and limited market access continue to hinder export expansion. He also pointed to delayed Export Expansion Grants (EEGs), with billions owed to exporters, as further evidence of NEPC’s mismanagement.
In response to these mounting concerns, he has called for immediate action. He urges the Presidency and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to review NEPC’s leadership, operations, and budget utilization to ensure alignment with national priorities. Additionally, he has requested that anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC investigate the legitimacy of the $270 million trade deal and other partnerships linked to NEPC.
The petition also calls for the Consumer Protection Council to investigate NEPC’s e-commerce training promotions, which may mislead potential exporters with unrealistic promises. He insists that NEPC must refocus on its core mandate, returning to in-person training and workshops, particularly for rural exporters, and engaging stakeholders like NACCIMA to design solutions that address the practical challenges of global competition.
As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, the non-oil export sector remains pivotal. With exports growing by 20.77% in 2024, the potential for expansion is clear. However, the exporter warns that NEPC’s current trajectory threatens this growth. “Export is not merely a business; it is the lifeline of Nigeria’s economic future,” he concluded, urging swift action to restore NEPC’s integrity and ensure it serves as a catalyst for economic prosperity.
The petition has been circulated to various government bodies and stakeholders, seeking a comprehensive review of NEPC’s operations and its alignment with Nigeria’s broader economic goals.
