Ogun: NEPC Partners GTB to train 100 exporters on access to finance

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The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Ogun State Coordinating Office has trained no fewer than 100 exporters on easy means to access finances for their export businesses.

The one-day training organized by the NEPC in partnership with the Guaranty Trust Bank for exporters in the state was held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday.

Welcoming participants to the workshop, the Ogun State Coordinator of NEPC, Mrs. Franscica Odega, explained that the workshop would enable intending exporters to be aware and take advantage of various financial accesses available to aid their businesses.

Mrs Odega, represented by the Head of Trade Information Department, NEPC Ogun State Coordinating Office, Akinlabi Adams, noted that most of the challenges confronting fledgling exporters are financial challenges, hence, the decision by the NEPC to collaborate with the GTB to provide solutions to the issue of financing.

The NEPC State Coordinator, however, charged the participants to take advantage and opportunities offered by the workshop, so that they can grow their export businesses and value to Nigeria’s economy.

In his goodwill message,the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Ola Olu Aikulola, applauded the laudable work NEPC has been doing in Ogun State and especially with the State Committee on Export Promotion (SCEP) which he’s the chairman.

He informed the exporters that the Gateway Cargo Airport owned by the state will soon become operational, hence, they should take advantage of the opportunity.

While appreciating the partnership between the NEPC and GTB for the organization of the workshop, the Permanent Secretary noted that all hands must be on the deck to change the economic situation via non-oil export.

In his keynote address, Mr. Olajide Adebanjo, Divisional Head, Southwest GT Bank, pointed out that the bank recognized the crucial role of access to finance plays in propelling export business, reiterating the bank’s commitment to supporting growth and success in the export market.

Adebanjo stated that partnering with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council will further strengthen the bank’s support system, adding that “it will enable us to offer comprehensive resources, training programmes, and market access initiatives tailored to empower Ogun State exporters”.

He added that the bank is committed to being a trusted partner in the participants’ export journey while appealing to them to prioritize integrity in their dealings.

In his presentation titled ‘GTBank Value Proposition for Exporters’, Tobi Adeuyi, the Business Relationship Manager of the GTB, informed the participants on various export financing products available to exporters and other trade financing solutions courtesy the GTBank.

Speaking during another technical session on the topic ‘Gateway to Increased Export with NEPC’, the Head, Product and Market Department, Ogun NEPC Coordinating Office, Mrs. Hadiza Kashiat, emphasized that exporters must be strategic in their businesses, in order to meet up and conform with the international standards which will qualify them for easy access to finances.

She posited that Nigeria’s non-oil export sector offers vast opportunities for growth and prosperity of businesses with the right information.

Kashiat, however, urged the participants to take advantage of the one-day workshops to grow their businesses and utilize their strength.

She advised them further to form a cooperative group to make their access to finance easy and as well as access to the right information in the export sector of the economy.