NEPC moves to streamline operations of $93bn cross-border trade

•trains 1,116 operators

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has moved to streamline operations of the informal cross-border trade globally worth $93 billion.

Speaking at the Weekend in Abuja, the Executive Director of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni said “Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) reportedly worth over $93 billion globally, the Council, through its regional and state offices initiated the process of mainstreaming informal border trade.

“This collective effort will further increase foreign exchange earnings and help to capture export data for the country.”

She stated that interactive sessions were held with several trade associations operating within the following borders: Kamba – a border town with the Niger Republic.

“Jega town – one of the largest loading points in the north; Tsamiya – a major gateway to the Benin Republic; Saki/Okerete – a major link to the Benin Republic,” she said.

Ayeni also said discussions were held with operators in Ebutero – ECOWAS loading point on Lagos Island and Oron Beach – responsible for moving goods to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Central African countries.

“At the end of the exercise, over 1,116 operators in the informal sector were trained in formalizing export trade. We will build on this.

“The Council will leave no stone unturned in our collective effort, as critical stakeholders, to ensure that the volume of our non-oil export and its attendant increase in foreign exchange earnings continue its upward trajectory,” she stated.

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