The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has trained entrepreneurs on export readiness at the maiden edition of the Lagos Mainland Trade Fair. Senior Trade Officers at the NEPC, Nancy Okpa and Olamide Olatunde, equipped vendors with step-by-step export procedures and stressed the need for compliance with international standards.
The Curator of the event and Chief Executive Officer of Mona Matthews, Monalisa Aze, hailed the training as timely. She said, “Vendors will be more confident and equipped to navigate the exportation process. Through exportation, entrepreneurs can expand their businesses and access global markets.”
Media personality and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, Janet Afolabi, who partnered with Aze to host the fair, applauded NEPC’s intervention. She noted, “Through efforts like this, there will be increased foreign exchange earnings.
It will also reduce Nigeria’s economic vulnerability to oil price fluctuations by promoting non-oil exports.”
Officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control were also at the fair to sensitise entrepreneurs on the importance of product registration. The trade fair attracted vendors and guests, including gospel singer Tope Alabi.
Aze expressed delight over the event’s success. She said, “I am overwhelmed by the success of the event. We are grateful for the enthusiasm from vendors who showcased their products and services with passion. The event has shown that with determination and hard work, we can create a lasting impact and provide opportunities for growth and expansion of businesses.”
Also reacting, Afolabi described the debut fair as a breakthrough. She said, “It exceeded my expectations. It was incredible to see entrepreneurs come together to celebrate enterprise and innovation. The energy was amazing. We look forward to building on this momentum.”
A vendor and Chief Executive Officer of Coreal8, Enobong Ezekiel, said the fair provided valuable exposure. “I am honoured to have been a part of this experience. I was able to connect with many customers and partners. The organisers did an incredible job of creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that allowed us to showcase our services,” he said.
