FIC Report (Benue State) – The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing Nigeria’s non-oil exports through the development of soybean export clusters in Benue State.
This was disclosed on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, during the Development of Soybean Export Clusters Programme held at Greg & Co ICT Hub, Makurdi, with stakeholders drawn from across the soybean value chain.
Speaking during a paper presentation, a representative of the NEPC Headquarters, Abuja, said the Council is committed to building the capacity of exporters by equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to participate successfully in international trade. He explained that the programme focused on export procedures, product quality standards, documentation, regulatory compliance, market access, contract management, and export proceeds.
According to him, NEPC provides support to exporters at every stage of the export process—from awareness and registration to compliance, market entry, and successful completion of export transactions. He identified major exportable products as agricultural commodities, solid minerals, manufactured goods, creative and digital services, as well as arts and crafts.
The representative urged prospective exporters to register with the Council, establish export profiles, identify viable products, understand market requirements, and comply with international standards to enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
In her welcome address, the Benue State Coordinator of NEPC, Mrs. Ann Adulugba, said the programme was designed to strengthen the soybean value chain by bringing together farmers, cooperatives, aggregators, processors, exporters, financial institutions, government agencies, development partners, and other key stakeholders to promote sustainable soybean export development.
She stated that the Council’s vision is to build a vibrant soybean export ecosystem that will increase the volume and value of Nigeria’s non-oil exports, create employment opportunities, improve incomes, and stimulate sustainable economic growth in Benue State and beyond. She encouraged participants to actively collaborate and build lasting partnerships that would enhance the state’s export potential.
Also presenting a paper, Mr. Samuel Agwa, Head of Operations and Research, MIDWES Agro-Services Ltd and Secretariat Lead, BARD, described soybean cluster development as a coordinated approach that brings together all actors in the value chain, including farmers, processors, input suppliers, financial institutions, transporters, researchers, marketers, and government agencies, to improve productivity, value addition, and profitability.
He emphasized the importance of digitalisation in cluster development through member registration, production records, market information, inventory management, digital payments, training, and continuous capacity building. He urged stakeholders to work collectively, exchange ideas, and develop practical strategies that would strengthen soybean production and export in the state.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ernest Onwe Ayoji, commended the Hyacinth Iormem Alia administration for its commitment to agricultural development. He noted that the proposed soybean export cluster initiative would complement ongoing efforts to expand soybean production and position Benue as a leading hub for non-oil exports.
The programme featured an interactive session during which participants sought clarification on various aspects of soybean export development and received official responses from resource persons. Participants were later divided into three groups—farmers, agricultural aggregators, and soybean processors—to deliberate on practical strategies for strengthening the soybean value chain. The discussions produced recommendations aimed at enhancing productivity, promoting value addition, and building the capacity of stakeholders across the sector.
Bridget Udoo Tarker
For: Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
