Yola: Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with the Adamawa Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, presented export certificates to 150 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
NEPC’s North-East Regional Coordinator, Mr Anani Egon, made this known during a capacity training on Wednesday in Yola.
He said the aim of the workshop was to build the capacity of SMEs on procedures and requirements for the issuance of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
He added that “the programme is for profiled SMEs seeking to expand into regional and continental markets under the AfCFTA protocol.
“The project is being undertaken by the ministry, with the NEPC and the World Bank
SABER Programme providing technical leadership and oversight.”
Dr Ishaya Dabari, the Adamawa Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, said the state government had already paid for the certificate as part of its efforts to ease doing business in the state.
According to him, the programme is designed to enhance the beneficiaries’ capacity for greater success in their respective businesses.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the certificate to improve their businesses for economic prosperity.
Dabari said that Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa’s vision is to positively impact the youths so they are not left out.
The export certificate is issued to promote legitimate export businesses. We want the young people to take advantage of this opportunity to excel”, he said.
Dr Michael Zira, the Director-General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA), appreciated Fintiri “for his commitment to youth empowerment” and urged the SMEs to understand the significance of the certificate for maximum benefit.
Dr Abubakar Bello, the Focal Person of SABER, confirmed that the state government had provided funding for the registration fee, and currently, the number has moved to 150.
He described the government’s commitment as a remarkable achievement for the state.
Henna Dariye, who spoke on behalf of the SMEs, thanked the state government for the gesture.
She said this has opened a door for them to start exporting their produce to African countries.
