Abuja: The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has graduated and awarded certificates to 12 of its staff who completed an international trade programme. Dr Nonye Ayeni, Director-General of the council, made this announcement during the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021, Level 4 Diploma on International Trade Programme in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ayeni highlighted that the programme was a significant achievement for the participants. She noted that 22 individuals initially enrolled in the programme, but only 12 successfully graduated. The graduates underwent rigorous training and invested in professional development, balancing work commitments while earning credentials that position them as globally competitive trade experts.
Ayeni commended the graduates for their dedication, emphasizing the significance of their achievement not just for personal milestones, but as a national asset. She stressed the importance of exports as a bridge between local industries and global markets, essential for job creation, industrial development, and maintaining foreign exchange stability. Ayeni urged collaboration to build strong and diversified export value chains for Nigeria’s prosperity beyond oil.
Furthermore, Ayeni pointed out the critical role of growing exports, adding value, and linking Nigerian products and services to international markets. She emphasized the importance of these efforts for Nigeria’s economic development and the potential to strengthen the UK-Nigeria trade relationship. Ayeni called the graduates ambassadors for Nigeria’s trade ambitions and the UK-Nigeria partnership, encouraging them to leverage their skills and networks to connect Nigerian products with British consumers and foster an open and forward-looking trade environment.
Ayeni commended the NEPC for its clear vision and commitment to capacity building. She highlighted the partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the UK Chartered Institute as an exemplary collaboration focused on practical skills and future readiness. Ayeni remarked that investing in people equates to investing in progress, celebrating the cohort of trade professionals ready to expand Nigeria’s global footprint.
Mrs Aissatou Diallo, Chief Office for Africa ITC, Geneva, Switzerland, addressed the ceremony virtually, emphasizing that the event was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a testament to Nigeria’s strategic investment in trade knowledge. She praised NEPC’s leadership under Ayeni, noting the council’s proactive response to the demands of a dynamic global trade environment. Diallo highlighted that equipping NEPC staff with globally recognized trade skills would advance Nigeria’s export potential and the NEPC’s integration into the global trade market.
Mrs Evelyn Obidike, Director of Product Development at NEPC, who secured first position in the programme, expressed gratitude for the support and strength provided throughout the course. She described the programme as robust and practical, equipping participants with new skills and knowledge to train upcoming officers and advise exporters. Obidike highlighted the programme’s potential to help capture markets within the African Continental Free Trade Area and Europe, extending thanks to NEPC, ITC, and other stakeholders for their support.
