Muhammad Garba
Nigerian Export and Import Bank has engaged residents in Jigawa state on the available opportunities for exporting non-oil commodities from the state to other parts of the world.
The engagement which comprised Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, farmers experts, professionals, and policymakers has identified the agricultural sector as a critical sector that can be used to address the abject poverty in the state and support national growth and development by promoting the export of sector products.
Speaking at the occasion the Managing Director of Nigerian -Export-Import Bank, Mr. Abba Bello said, the engagement was aimed at enlightening the people on the opportunities and potentialities available for exporting non-oil goods from Jigawa state to other countries.
He said they chose to take their campaigned on export promotion to Jigawa state because the state has comparative advantage of many agricultural products ranking high in non oil export from Nigeria.
The MD who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim, Khalil Gaga at the occasion held in the Gumel local government area of the state said, it is unfortunate despite the agricultural potentiality, in the state Jigawa is still counted among the major poverty-striking state in Nigeria.
“We organized this engagement to enlighten the people of the state on how they can take advantage of different facilities in our bank to commence exporting 0 Agricultural products such as Sesame and Haviscus that are produced in large quantities in the state.
“We are also enlighting people on the process rules and regulations for exporting products to foreign countries and how you can reach us as an individual or group for a more comprehensive guide.”
He however stated that promoting exporting such goods will enhance local skills, create jobs, promote wealth, creation growth and development.
In his speech, the special guest of honour at the enlightenment campaign a senator representing Jigawa Northwest Senator Babangida Hussaini said, the Jigawa state Haviscus and Sesame are one of the premium grades in a global market but the people of the state are not benefiting from exporting the commodities.
Senator Babangida promised to continue collaborating with NEXIM Bank to enhance the skill and capacity of the people of the state to ripe the advantage for poverty eradication jobs creation and sustainable development.
