The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reiterated its commitment towards enhancing the quality of made-in-Nigeria products through improvements in the quality of packaging and labelling of Nigerian products.
This was disclosed by the Ondo State Coordinator of NEPC, Mrs Iyabode Abe, during a comprehensive training programme for the Ondo State Exporters’ Cluster Association, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Abe identified poor packaging as one of the major reasons why Nigerian products are rejected in the international market, especially in Europe.
She explained that the one-day workshop was organised to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices on how to enhance the packaging of export products to meet global or international standards.
According to her, “Packaging plays a critical role in the export value chain. It not only protects our products during transportation but also serves as a marketing tool that reflects the quality and image of our brands.
“However, many of our export products often face rejection or delay in international markets due to inadequate packaging.
“To reduce this, NEPC Akure is continuing the advocacy on creating awareness of good packaging as a panacea to penetrating the international market by organising this training.”
She said that as part of NEPC’s contribution towards enhancing good packaging, NEPC Akure donated a sealing machine to the Ondo State Exporters’ Cluster Association as motivation to encourage the cluster in its production.
She, however, expressed confidence that the programme will boost the country’s export capacity.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Cooperative Services, Segun Ayerin, said the purpose of the training is to enhance the products of our people for export. Packaging gives added value to products.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry, Mrs Toyin Oni, Ayerin said, “The training is expected to help the exporters package their products in such a way that they will meet international standards.
“So, this training will afford them the opportunity to learn the importance of packaging for the preservation of quality during transportation and also for marketing to attract patronage buyers in the international community.
“If this is achieved through this training, there is definitely going to be an increase in their productivity and there will be economic growth.”
Speaking on the training, the Chief Executive and Managing Director of Denki, Emmanuel Adeyemi, commended NEPC for the training and said it would guide exporters in the right direction regarding exports.
“We’ve struggled in this area for too long, and things haven’t been going well. Export is the key to economic growth, and even the federal government is prioritising it now.
“There are numerous exportable products, but we face significant challenges, such as inadequate packaging and inefficient procedures.
“This export promotion programme is addressing these issues, teaching us how to improve. It’s motivating us to take action.”
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