Nigerian Export and Import Bank has sensitized thee Jigawa state Small and Medium Entrepreneurs on the available opportunities for exporting non-oil commodities from the state to other part of the world.
The one day sensitization and round table meeting held at the ancient city of Gumel in Jigawa state.whicj was attended by SME”s, farmers exparts, professional and policy makers .
The meeting has identified agricultural sector as a critical sector that can be be used to address the abject poverty in the state, support national growth and development by promoting export of sector products.
Speaking at the occasion the Managing Director Nigerian -Export Import Bank Mr Abba Bello said, the engagement was aimed at enlightenment the people on the opportunities and potentialities available for exporting non-oil goods from Jigawa state to other countries.
He said they choose 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 Gumel local government area of the state said, it is unfortunate despite the agricultural potentiality, in the state Jigawa is still counting 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 Seseme and Haviscus that are produced in large quantity 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 at individual or group for more comprehensive guide ”
He how ever stated that, promoting exporting such goods will enhance local skills, create jobs, promoting 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.
In their submission the Secretary Association of Small Mediums Enterprises Jigawa state chapter Comrade Dallami Shuaibu thanks the banks for the enlightenment.
He also urged the bank and other key actors in promoting non oil export to link them major exports of the available commodities in the state to partner with them for practical mentorship before fully joining the export.
