FIC Report (Enugu State) – The newly appointed South-East Regional Coordinator of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Mustapha Umar Faruk has commenced strategic engagement with the Enugu State Government, signaling renewed collaboration aimed at strengthening export promotion and positioning Enugu as a leading non-oil export hub in Nigeria.
The Regional Coordinator paid a familiarisation and courtesy visit to the Enugu State Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, where he was received by the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, and the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ifeanyi Onah. The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss areas of partnership in export development, certification of exporters, and expansion of market access for locally manufactured products.
Welcoming the NEPC official, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo said Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration remains committed to creating an environment where business ideas are transformed into reality through investor-friendly policies and reforms. He noted that the state has implemented several transformative measures aimed at attracting investment, expanding industrial growth, and encouraging the production of goods that meet international export standards. According to the Commissioner, Enugu possesses a wide range of exportable non-oil products, including the famous yellow pepper popularly known as “Ose Nsukka,” palm oil, cassava, rice, solid minerals, and other agricultural commodities with significant export potential.
The Commissioner urged the new Regional Coordinator to prioritize the certification of exporters in the state in order to strengthen Enugu’s exporter database, enhance the credibility of local products, and encourage emerging investors. He further highlighted major infrastructure initiatives such as the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the introduction of Enugu Air, describing them as strategic interventions designed to facilitate the efficient movement of exportable products and reduce delays in accessing international markets.
In his response, the NEPC South-East Regional Coordinator expressed appreciation for the warm reception and pledged to work closely with the Enugu State Government in advancing export promotion across the region. He assured the Ministry of his commitment to ensuring that more qualified companies receive the necessary export certifications. Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the State Committee on Export Promotion, Mr. Ifeanyi Onah, congratulated the Regional Coordinator on his appointment and assured him of the committee’s full support in achieving the shared objective of expanding Enugu’s export footprint and driving sustainable economic growth through non-oil exports.
Bonaventure Ngwu,
HOC, FIC Enugu
(11/07/2026).
