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By Merit Ibe
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG), has said it will partner key stakeholders in public and private sectors to promote and protect the interest of non-oil exporters.
AG. Chairman of the group, Mrs Odiri Erewa-Meggison, made the remark at the opening session of a two-day capacity building training for members, organised by MANEG in collaboration with the national action committee (NAC) secretariat on Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), with the theme: ‘Capacity Building for Non-Oil Exporters on Exporting under the AfCFTA Regime.
Erewa-Meggison said the training would enable them take advantage of the potential trade benefits AfCFTA offers. She ceased the opportunity to encourage manufacturers that were not yet members of MANEG, to obtain their MANEG membership form “today or download it from our website and do not hesitate to contact me or the Executive Secretary if you require additional information or support.”
The MANEG boss applauded the Executive Secretary of the NAC-AfCFTA, Olusegun Awolowo, for collaborating with MANEG, to bring the training to fruition.
She also appreciated sponsors of the training which included British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited; Indorama Group; Gongoni Company Limited; Cadbury Nigeria Plc; Guinness Nigeria Plc; Rite Foods Limited and Spectra Industries Limited.
Lamenting that countries like Rwanda, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania and Tunisia were already operating on the GTI without Nigeria, she noted that as the Nigerian Government continues to take steps to ensure full participation in the AfCFTA, MANEG is determined to build the capacity of members to optimize understanding of the Free Trade Agreement and take full advantage of the benefits – as soon as the pathway opens.
“So far, the practical implementation of AfCFTA started since September 2022, with the export of coffee products from Rwanda to Ghana; and export of Exide Battery from Kenya to Ghana, under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI) within the eight state parties that have met the minimum requirements for trade under the Agreement. The state parties include Rwanda, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Tanzania and Tunisia. These countries are already operating on the GTI without Nigeria.
“As the Nigerian Government continues to take steps to ensure our full participation in the AfCFTA, we at MANEG are determined to build the capacity of our members to optimise understanding of the Free Trade Agreement and take full advantage of the benefits – as soon as the pathway opens.”
At the training, participants were enlightened on the general objectives of the AfCFTA and the benefits. They were also encouraged to key into the trade.
“By the end of this training, our expectation is that your business group will be well-equipped to maximize the benefits of the AfCFTA. Armed with a deeper understanding of the trade blocs, its opportunities, and challenges, you will be empowered to make informed decisions and formulate effective strategies for success. Your participation in this training exemplifies your commitment to investing in the growth and long-term success of your business,” the MANEG boss said.
