Abuja: The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) reported that it trained over 96,000 exporters in 2025 through 728 capacity-building programs held at its 36 state and regional offices.
Dr. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, shared this information at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday while presenting the council’s review of non-oil export performance and its outlook for 2026.
Ayeni said this number was a significant increase from 2024, when 629 programs reached about 64,000 participants. She said the growth shows greater engagement with exporters and a stronger effort to boost Nigeria’s non-oil sector.
“Capacity-building remains central to enhancing competitiveness and compliance within the non-oil export ecosystem,” she said.
The training included topics like agricultural best practices, warehouse management, export documentation, digital trade, and export readiness. NEPC also started mentorship and skills programs to help exporters get ready for global markets.
Ayeni said the council paid for international certifications for 210 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in 2025, bringing the total number of supported exporters to nearly 700. Another 567 exporters are now working toward certification to meet international standards, which she said will help lower rejection rates and open up new markets.
She pointed to the creation of Nigeria’s first sesame export production cluster in Kebbi State as a major achievement. The pilot project had 250 farmers growing improved seeds on 500 hectares, aiming to increase productivity and create jobs as part of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The council also trained young people and women at Export Skill Acquisition Centres, gave out more than 4,600 hybrid seedlings to farmers, and helped over 70 SMEs join e-commerce platforms in 2025.
Looking ahead, Ayeni said NEPC plans to expand its programs in 2026 to get more people involved and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade.
