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 Monday, 7th October 2024, at the Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos. The conference was themed “Navigating the Future of Non-Oil Export” and attracted stakeholders across several sectors, particularly SMEs within the export sector.
The conference sought to address the opportunities and challenges within the Nigerian non-oil export landscape. It also provided a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and discussions on how to leverage export opportunities to foster economic growth and diversification.
In attendance at the event was the National President of NACCIMA, Hon. Dele Kelvin Oye, National President of NACCIMA, who delivered a keynote address and officially declared the conference open as the Chairman of the event.
The event was graced by several prominent figures, including Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State, represented by Mrs. Titilayo Helen Adesina, Director of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment; Dr. Victor O. Ayemere, Chairman of NEXHUB; Mr. Fegho John Umunubo, Special Adviser to the President (Office of the Vice President) on Digital and Creative Economy; Mr. Babatunde Faleke, Managing Director, NEXHUB; Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Osun State; Alh. Adamu Adamu, Managing Director, Zeenab Foods Ltd; Dr. Dele Ayemibo, Lead Consultant, 3T Impex Consulting; Olusola Obadimu, Director-General, NACCIMA; Chief Sir Benjamin Obieze Opiah, CEO, Benhayes International Nigeria Limited; Mr. Reuben Dalhatu-Gora, Sector Head, Corporate and Investment Banking Division, Access Bank; Barr. Kola Awe, Managing Director/CEO, XPT Logistics; Cp. IK Oladeji, NSC, Federal Operations Unit Zone A; Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, Managing Director, Nexim Bank, represented by Mrs. Folasade Aluko, Business Strategy & Export Finance Expert; Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, represented by Mr. Peter Nwabugo, National Coordination Office, AfCFTA; Various Business Market Associations and Relevant Stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Victor O. Ayemere, Chairman of NEXHUB, highlighted the overarching objective of the conference: to bring together key players in the export ecosystem and sensitize SMEs on the untapped potential within Nigeria’s non-oil export market. Dr. Ayemere underscored the importance of diversifying income streams through export-driven strategies, which would enable businesses to earn in foreign currency, particularly US dollars, thereby contributing to national economic stability.
The conference featured several educating presentations by industry leaders and experts, addressing critical themes within the export sector. These presentations provided actionable insights and strategies for stakeholders to harness export opportunities:
1. Opportunities within the Creative Economy as a Driver for Exports presented by Hon. Fegho John Umunubo, Special Adviser to the President on Digital and Creative Economy.
2. Leveraging Financial Instruments for Export Growth presented by Mrs. Folasade Aluko, Business Strategy & Export Finance Expert, NEXIM Bank.
3. Harnessing AfCFTA for Nigeria’s Export Growth: Strategies and Opportunities Presented by Mr. Peter Nwabugo, National Coordination Office, AfCFTA.
4. Navigating the Future of Non-Oil Export presented by Barr. Kola Awe, Managing Director/CEO, XPT Logistics.
The NEXHUB Export Conference 2024 was a resounding success, achieving its goal of engaging key stakeholders and SMEs in meaningful discussions about the future of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector. The event provided valuable insights into the opportunities within the creative economy, the importance of financial instruments for export growth, and strategies for leveraging AfCFTA for market expansion.
*NACCIMA Secretariat*
7th October 2024