FG Launches Export Skills Acquisition Centre to Boost Non-oil Exports

Dike Onwuamaeze

The federal government has said that  the launching of the Export Skill Acquisition Centre (ESAC) and Fashion Innovative Hub for Women and Youths is an important milestone in Nigeria’s economic growth, empowerment, and sustainable development journey.
The federal government, which launched the ESAC last week in Apapa, Lagos State, said that the establishment of the centre is driven by its commitment to addressing some of the fundamental challenges that have hindered our export growth and economic diversification.

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, in her welcome address, said that the launching of the ESAC “is sequel to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NEPC and LeLook Bags Academy, which is aimed at providing hands-on training in bag-making and other accessories for women, youth and people living with disabilities.
“This collaborative effort will further enhance the quality and standards of products that will be exported to the global market.”
Ayeni assured the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment that the NEPC, under its “Double Your Exports” campaign, would deploy everything necessary to facilitate the training of youths and the subsequent export of products from the LeLook factory.
She said: “Beyond this, however, I am of the firm belief that the ESAC will boost non-oil exports by increasing the export of value-added products from Nigeria thereby creating jobs and inspiring Nigerians, especially the youth and women to imbibe an export culture.”

The federal government said that Nigeria has always known that the key to unlocking its potential lies in equipping our citizens with the skills and knowledge needed to compete on a global scale.
“This centre is a response to that need, providing training that will empower our youth, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with the tools necessary for success in the export sector.

“I am most delighted to witness this epoch-making event targeted at building the capacity of the youth and women in innovative bag-making among other accessories and I commend the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) for establishing the ESAC to foster such activities.
“It is a step in the right direction as it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, which is aimed at economic growth, creating jobs and poverty alleviation.”
The government disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in line with the ‘Industrial Revitalisation Plan’, is working with relevant stakeholders such as the NEPC to ensure that the youth and women in Nigeria realise their full potential through the acquisition of the requisite skills and techniques for the export of quality products to the global market, which I believe the ESAC would achieve.
“The ESAC will offer specialised training programmes that cover a wide range of export-related skills, including product development, quality control, international trade regulations, logistics, marketing, and digital skills.

“The programmes have been designed to equip participants with practical skills that meet international standards, thereby increasing the competitiveness of our products in the global market.

“Through this initiative, we aim to create a new generation of exporters who are knowledgeable, innovative, and prepared to meet the demands of international trade.

“We believe that by investing in our people, we are investing in the future of our economy. This centre will serve as a platform for individuals to turn their ideas into viable businesses, enabling them to tap into the vast opportunities that the export market has to offer.

“As we look to diversify our economy and reduce reliance on a single sector, export promotion has become a strategic priority. The centre will play a vital role in achieving this goal by addressing the skills gap that currently exists within the export sector.

“By equipping our citizens with the necessary expertise, we will be able to scale up the production of goods and services for export, thus generating more foreign exchange, creating jobs, and reducing poverty.”

The Managing Director/CEO of LeLook Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, said that the launching of the ESAC was an occasion for joy and expressed desire for equipment that would enable the blind, the deaf and dumb and other handicapped persons to benefit from the centre so that no one would be left behind.