From Rita Nworie, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has thrown open a fresh window of opportunity for local entrepreneurs, offering free export certification to qualified businesses as part of his administration’s drive to take Ebonyi-made products to the global market.
The initiative, being implemented through the Ebonyi State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency , is expected to remove one of the major hurdles confronting local producers and processors seeking to export their goods outside Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki on Wednesday, the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa, said the state government would sponsor export certification for selected beneficiaries at no cost, urging eligible businesses to grab the opportunity.
Oketa said the programme was open to registered and aspiring exporters, manufacturers, processors, agro-allied businesses, cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises with products that have export potential.
“Under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s administration, EBSMEDA is again inviting registered and aspiring exporters, manufacturers, processors, agro-allied businesses, cooperatives and SMEs with export-ready products to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
He stressed that the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen Ebonyi businesses, increase their earning capacity and open bigger markets for locally produced goods, insisting that entrepreneurs in the state must look beyond the local market.
The administration’s message, according to him, is simple: “What Ebonyi produces should not stop at Ebonyi.” He added that the export drive could boost business income, create jobs, encourage increased production and strengthen the state’s economy.
“Businesses involved in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing and other locally made products capable of meeting international standards are expected to benefit. Applicants are required to provide documents including CAC certificates, directors’ details, a duly stamped and signed board resolution, active email address and password, CEO’s residential details, business address and nature of business.
“Registration forms are available at the Staff Development Centre, Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki. The state government has therefore urged qualified entrepreneurs to take advantage of the scheme, secure the required certification and position their products to compete not only in Nigeria, but on the international stage”.
