The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Ibadan Export Assistance Office has concluded a workshop for newly registered and intending exporters at the Ibadan Business School, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The training which held in line with COVID-19 protocols recently was aimed at promoting export of non-oil products from Oyo State.
At the event, the Trade Promotion Advisor, NEPC, Ibadan Export Assistant Office, Mrs. Bolanle Emmanuel presented the requisite skills and knowledge on export procedures and documentation.
Other facilitators at the event shared from their wealth of experiences necessary in guiding new exporters. They also shared current business strategies and market access, which are exporters’ major concerns.
One of the facilitators, Prince Temitope Oyeyemi, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of The Catalyst International Magazine and Group CEO of YCEDA Group Inc. Nigeria introduced the export business to participants urging them to take advantage of the multi-billion dollar business.
According to him, “A product is only as good as the sales it generates. Before starting the export business, it is important to first know the market then find buyers for the product you are interested in selling.”
On securing international buyers, Oyeyemi who is also the Founder of YCEDA Foods Nigeria and Founder of Meridian Holdings Inc. United States of America, said, “While finding international buyers might be quite difficult for new or potential exporters, one must engage in series of marketing strategy such as: Digital marketing, which involves creating an online presence in the form of a website or having a social media page (Facebook, Twitter etc.)
“To promote one’s business one must acquire relevant information from government agencies such as the NEPC, Commodity Boards, Chamber of Commerce etc., he said, adding that it is equally important to attend Trade Fairs and Exhibitions, where buyers can showcase their product and connect with buyers; Market Research Companies, who provide trade related information to users.
Importantly, he stressed the use of Websites for one’s business. “The world we live in is a global village and a website gives opportunity for one’s business to be presented to the world at large. The use of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Traffic management, Google Console etc. are tools that can be used to further improve the awareness of the business,” he advised.
Another facilitator, Mr. Jeje, an experienced exporter who ventured into export in 2006 and made his first shipment of Charcoal in 2009 and exported Hibiscus into Europe, listed basic steps for beginners venturing into the export business.
In his words, “Establishing and registration of a company, identification of a product of choice, mastering of the product quality, obtaining product certifications and searching for buyers are important steps someone going into export business must take cognizance of.”
The CEO of Biizimilahi Global Services, Jeje added that in the issue of pricing, participants need to calculate all the cost spent right from the acquisition of product, processing, packaging, transportation and shipping out of the country, and convert to the exchange rate . he advised that the lower rate is advisable for use.
Participants took turn to express their joy after the event they said was highly enlightening. They however applauded the NEPC, Ibadan Export Assistance Office for the opportunity to learn and ask questions bothering them about the export business.
