The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to standardizing the country’s solid minerals sector. The initiative will focus on formalizing artisanal mining activities and promoting the export of value-added products.
Mrs Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, made the commitment on Thursday at a strategic meeting in Bauchi. She was represented by Mrs Ngozi Ibe, a deputy director.
Ayeni acknowledged the sector’s vast potential but noted persistent challenges such as informal mining practices, inadequate technology, and limited access to funding. The move towards standardisation is aimed at addressing these issues and unlocking the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s export economy.
“This engagement is a critical step as it provides a platform to share ideas, promote clustering, and encourage value addition along the minerals value chain,” she said.
Ayeni emphasised NEPC’s strategic focus areas: enhancing the capacity of exporters, leveraging technology, expanding market access and supporting value-added exports.
“Notably, solid minerals have now been officially included in NEPC’s One State-One Product (OSOP) initiative, following a resolution from the 16th National Council on Commerce, Trade, and Investment held in Lagos,” she said.
She called on the Bauchi State Export Promotion Committee to implement these resolutions for inclusive stakeholder participation and sectorial growth.
The NEPC, she added, is pursuing initiatives such as establishing mineral clusters, formalising cross-border trade and creating export skill acquisition centres to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Alhaji Musa Pali, Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Bauchi chapter, applauded the initiative, saying it would help curb illegal mining and improve access to funding and equipment.
Mrs Fatie Isha, Bauchi State Coordinator for Women in Mining (WIMN), also commended NEPC, noting that standardisation would enhance the participation of women miners in cross-border trade.
She urged the government to create a more supportive environment for women in the sector.
The event drew stakeholders from across the solid minerals value chain and papers were presented by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria and Gojopal Pre-Shipment Agents among others at the event.
NAN reports that the event attracted a wide array of stakeholders across the solid minerals value chain.
Presentations were delivered by representatives from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and Gojopal Pre-Shipment Agents, among others.
