The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says the current contributions from the solid minerals sector to Nigeria’s export earnings are not reflective of the wealth in the sector.
Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, stated this at a workshop titled: “Unlocking Cross River State’s Potential: Strategies For Developing Critical Minerals For Export,” in Calabar on Tuesday.
Represented by Dr. Damian Omorogbe, Cross River Coordinator of NEPC, the Executive Director emphasized that the sector’s potential had not fully translated into its earnings.
According to her, Nigeria is endowed with abundance solid minerals that, if harnessed, can significantly contribute to the country’s non-oil export revenue.
She pointed out that minerals like lithium, zinc, tin, barite, lead, and more, lay beneath the soil, waiting to be fully tapped
Ayeni asserted that the inhibiting factor in the sector remained fraught with the informal sector rather than the formal sector.
“I have witnessed the pivotal role that exports play in driving sustainable economic growth.
“However, the journey from extraction to the international market is fraught with challenges,” she noted.
The NEPC boss listed some of the challenges to include lack of understanding of the export procedures, required documentation, financing, and standards for export.
According to her, these factors often deter many potential exporters or result in losses due to non-compliance with international trade standards.
“This is why this workshop is critical in building a more informed and capable community of exporters in this sector,” she explained.
In her remarks, Dr Abigail Duke, Cross River’s Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, said miners and Nigerians should submit themselves to initiatives and advice met to drive growth and prosperity in the sector.
Represented by Mrs. Philomema Nyiam, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Duke noted that miners usually evaded programmes meant to enlighten them on how to tap the potentials in the sector.
“We understand why they are always running from programmes like this. We know the sector is riddle with illegal miners, but the government is not pursuing anybody.
“We are only looking for a better way to harness the potentials in this sector for our betterment and that of the country,” she appealed. (NAN)
