From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Ogun State Coordinating Office has trained over 100 exporters on accessing finances for their export businesses. The one-day training, held in Abeokuta on Tuesday, was organized in partnership with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).
NEPC Ogun State Coordinator, Mrs Franscica Odega, explained that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among intending exporters about various financial resources available to support their businesses. She acknowledged that financial challenges are common among fledgling exporters, hence the collaboration with GTB to address this issue.
Odega encouraged participants to take advantage of the workshop’s opportunities to grow their export businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
In his keynote address, Mr Olajide Adebanjo, Divisional Head, Southwest GT Bank, highlighted the bank’s recognition of the crucial role of access to finance in propelling export businesses. He reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting the growth and success of exporters in the market.
Adebanjo stated that partnering with NEPC will further strengthen the bank’s support system, enabling them to offer comprehensive resources, training programs, and market access initiatives tailored to empower Ogun State exporters. He emphasized the bank’s commitment to being a trusted partner in the participants’ export journey and appealed to them to prioritize integrity in their dealings.
During a technical session on ‘Gateway to Increased Export with NEPC’, Head of Products Marketing Department, Mrs Hadiza Kashiat, emphasized the importance of strategic business practices for exporters to meet international standards and qualify for easier access to finances. She highlighted the vast opportunities for growth and prosperity in Nigeria’s non-oil export sector with the right information.
Kashiat urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to grow their businesses and utilize their strengths. She advised them to form cooperative groups to facilitate access to finance and information within the export sector.