Focus on non-oil export to restore economy, NEPC boss urges Nigerians

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has advised Nigerians to focus more on non-oil export for the country’s economic survival.

The Executive Director/Ceo of NEPC, Dr Ezra Yakusak gave the charge in an interview with newsmen recently  while on a visit to the council’s regional office in Jos.

Yakusak, who had cited the need to restore the country’s dwindling economy called on the public to pay more attention to non-oil export as a means to restore it.

“Early this year, NEPC launched a campaign called export for survival and the campaign is a clarion call to all Nigerians.

“If we want Nigeria to change. If we want Nigeria to survive. If we want to see this country economically viable; then we have to embark on non-oil export. That’s the only way we can get our foreign exchange. That’s the only way we can generate employment. That’s the only way we can develop our industries. That’s the only way we can make Nigeria economically great again. Export for survival” he said.

While reiterating on the importance of value chain development in Plateau regarding its “One state, one product” initiative, Yakusak sympathized with potato farmers over the recent potato blight disease which had ravaged farms and left farmers with immense losses.

He urged them to adopt good agricultural practices which when applied will prevent future occurrences of the disease outbreak.

“You know most of these cases experienced are because of the lack of good agricultural practices. We call it GAP and our regional office here has been doing good agricultural practices.

“There are basic forms of agriculture practices that we need to practice, which when done most of these cases will be completely eliminated. So, we go on capacity building for these farmers, and that’s what we are doing,” the NEPC Boss added.

He called on all stakeholders in the potato business within the state to join hands with NEPC for the necessary support and trainings they will require.