Kogi state Commissioner For Commerce and Industry, Hon Muhammed Muktar Shuaibu, has reaffirmed that the state government, under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, remains proactive and fully aligned with national goals to reposition Nigeria’s export profile.
Hon. Shuaibu made this declaration while addressing participants at the recently held Zero to Export training programme in Lokoja, organized by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in collaboration with strategic partners.
The Commissioner, who officially declared the session open, reaffirmed the State’s commitment to economic transformation through trade and industrial development.
He appreciated the Federal Government, the NEPC, and other partner organizations for selecting Kogi as a beneficiary of the capacity-building programme, while also acknowledging the continued support of institutions such as the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Made-in-Nigeria, and leaders in the logistics sector who play critical roles in strengthening the non-oil export value chain.
“This is an opportunity to grow, to scale from small-scale trade to structured, export-oriented business,” he stated.
“We are committed to walking with every serious entrepreneur who is ready to move forward.”
In his welcome address, Usenide Aniekpeno, NEPC State Coordinator, thanked participants and dignitaries for their presence and emphasized the Council’s mandate to promote non-oil exports and expand Nigeria’s export base.
He noted that over 30 participants were mobilized directly from NEPC’s Abuja headquarters, highlighting the importance of the training as a practical initiative aimed at preparing new exporters for global competitiveness.
According to Aniekpeno, the Zero2Export programme is not just instructional but transformational: providing aspiring exporters with the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to navigate the export sector successfully.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Adewale Victor Omofaiye, Director General of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA), praised NEPC for sustaining a consistent and impactful training model.
Omofaiye stated that the programme would help bridge critical knowledge gaps, enhance readiness, and support the emergence of competent exporters from Kogi State.
He assured participants that KOSCEPA remains open to collaboration and will continue to work with committed exporters across the state.
Technical sessions were led by industry experts including Mr. Iyanu Ajayi, who delivered an intensive breakdown of key export concepts such as product selection, packaging, pricing, logistics, documentation, and customs procedures.
His session provided participants with actionable insights into international standards, regulatory frameworks, and the full lifecycle of export operations.
Participants also benefited from practical examples, export readiness assessment, and clarification on prohibited items and compliance protocols — all of which are essential to navigating both local and international markets effectively.
The training concluded with renewed calls for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy through increased participation in non-oil exports.
Facilitators and stakeholders emphasized that building a strong base of informed, export-ready entrepreneurs is key to achieving sustainable economic growth in Kogi State and beyond.
Taiye Bayode
Information Officer
*Ministry of Commerce & Industry*
