Noneye Ayeni, the director-general of the Nigeria Exports Promotion Council, says the council has distributed 23,239 hybrid seedlings and farm inputs to 3,047 farmers across the country.

Ayeni disclosed this to journalists while presenting a report on the first half of 2025 Non-Oil Exports Performance in Abuja.

She said that the effort was part of the NEPC’s corporate social investment, adding that the seedlings included cocoa, sesame seeds, and oil palm.

“This intervention programme has significantly enhanced the quality of produce by the farmers as well as increased the production of these commodities for export in the global market,” she said.

Ms Ayeni said that over 150 small and medium enterprises were trained on the Export Mentorship Programme.

According to her, 60 exporters from various states were deployed to be mentored by five top-performing exporters.

“At the end of the programme, the SMEs became more confident and resilient in handling export procedures and documentation,” she said

The NEPC director-general said that the council organised a sensitisation workshop for SMEs exporting companies along the supply value chain.

“The essence is to create market opportunities for the export of the products in Lagos and Kano, respectively. Over 100 SMEs were sensitised on the market opportunities and export requirements in the global market,” she said.

Ms Ayeni, however, said that the council was mindful of the ongoing challenges in the sector.

“We remain committed to navigating these challenges as we continue to deliver value to our stakeholders.

“For this reason, I sincerely acknowledge the support of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, in driving the diversification agenda of the federal government.

“The agenda is in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which is targeted at job creation, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and diversification of the economy away from oil,” she said.

She stated that the NEPC remained resolute and committed to increasing the volume and value of non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

(NAN)