NEXHUB EXPORT CONFERENCE 2024 – ABUJA EDITION
The Nigerian Exporters Hub (NEXHUB), in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), successfully organized the NEXHUB Export Conference on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, at the NEXHUB head office, Abuja. Themed “Navigating the Future of Non-Oil Export,” the conference attracted stakeholders from various sectors, particularly businesses within and interested in the export industry.
The event aimed to address the opportunities, challenges, and future of Nigeria’s non-oil export landscape, while providing a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and discussions on leveraging export opportunities to foster economic growth and diversification.
The conference was chaired by the National President of NACCIMA, Hon. Dele Kelvin Oye, who delivered an impactful address and officially declared the event open.
The event was graced by several prominent figures and honourable ministers, including:
– Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, represented by Mr. Dafang Idi Sule, Director of Federal Produce Inspection Service (FPIS).
– Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Hon. Minister of Environment, represented by Mr. Idris Gidado, Principal Planning Officer, Federal Ministry of Environment.
– Dr. Dele H. Alake, Hon. Minister for Solid Minerals Development, represented by Mr. Olajide B. Olushola, Deputy Director, Investment Promotion and Mineral Trade (IPMT).
– Dr. Victor O. Ayemere, GMD of Zeenab Group/Chairman of NEXHUB.
– Mr. Babatunde Faleke, Managing Director, NEXHUB.
– Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), represented by Mr. Olusegun Olutayo.
– Mr. Agabaidu Chukwuemeka Jideani, Director General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), represented by Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Baba, Head of Marketing, Research, and Business Development.
– Dr. Weyinmi Eribo, Director General, Women Chamber of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA).
– Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, represented by C.S.C. A. N. Ofili.
– Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development, NEXIM Bank.
– Major General S.J. Davis (Rtd.), CEO of Rayfield Farm.
– Dr. Iyke Ezeugo, Mc2ibp Consulting Limited.
– Representatives of the Chinese business community in Nigeria, including Yang Jing, Jing Sysley, Liao Cheng, Jinhua Cao, and Gao Xinsong.
– Youths of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), various business market associations, and other relevant stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Victor O. Ayemere, Chairman of NEXHUB, emphasized the overarching objective of the conference: bringing together key players in the export ecosystem and sensitizing SMEs to the untapped potential of Nigeria’s non-oil export market. Dr. Ayemere highlighted the importance of diversifying income streams through export-driven strategies, enabling businesses to earn foreign currency, particularly U.S. dollars, which would contribute to national economic stability.
The conference featured educational panel discussions and presentations by industry leaders and experts, focusing on critical themes within the export sector. These sessions provided actionable insights and strategies for stakeholders to harness export opportunities, including:
1. The Global Export Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges for Nigerian Exports by Dr. Joe Itah (Export Trade and Communication Expert).
2. A panel discussion on Strategies for Boosting Non-Oil Exports: Focus on Volume and Quality.
3. Leveraging Financial Instruments for Export Growth by Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development, NEXIM Bank.
4. Harnessing AfCFTA for Nigeria’s Export Growth: Strategies and Opportunities by Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National Coordinator, AfCFTA.
The Abuja edition of the NEXHUB Export Conference 2024 was a resounding success, fulfilling its goal of engaging key stakeholders and SMEs in meaningful discussions about the future of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector. It provided valuable insights into the evolving export landscape and actionable strategies to foster growth and business diversification.
NACCIMA, Abuja
23rd October 2024
