The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is a government agency established with the primary responsibility of promoting, facilitating, and increasing the export of non-oil products from Nigeria to the global market. As part of Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy, the NEPC plays a crucial role in reducing the country’s dependence on crude oil by encouraging the growth and competitiveness of other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and solid minerals. Established in 1976 through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Decree No. 26 (later amended by Act No. 72 of 1992), the council works hand in hand with exporters, producers, and other stakeholders to enhance Nigeria’s international trade performance. By providing export guidelines, market information, capacity-building programs, and trade promotion initiatives, the NEPC not only helps Nigerian businesses penetrate foreign markets but also strengthens the nation’s economic stability and foreign exchange earnings.
Table Of Contents
- What is Nigerian exports promotion council.
- Functions of the Nigerian export promotion council
- Steps Exporter would take to Export Goods
- revision questions
NIGERIAN EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL
NEPC was set up to assist exporters in the course of exporting goods and to set out procedures for export trade. The council also assist in assessing the performance of Nigerian exports commodities in foreign markets.
Functions of the Nigerian export promotion council
- Trade enhancement activities: The council reviews and liberalises export procedures and documentation to enhance clearance at the ports.
- Export financing and incentives: NEPC assist in financing export by evolving measures designed to make available export financing facilities, investment etc.
- Organise training activities: The council organises training programs, seminars and workshops in export management and international market.
- Preparation of export documents: The council works hand in hand with other government agencies to assist in the preparation of export documents.
- Trade information services: NEPC Establishes an operating international trade information centers to provide prompt information services.
- Creation of awareness: The council produces publicity materials to publicize the export potentials of the country and by so doing create awareness for them and the council activities.
- Setting out procedures for export trade: NEPC approves export, provide export license and set out procedures for exporting goods abroad.
- Export development activities: The council adopts measures necessary to increase the volume of production from agriculture and industry for export. It gives advice on quality control, packaging and product design to ensure acceptable standard of exportable goods.
- Export marketing activities: The council assist in assessing the performance of Nigerian export goods in international markets as well as identifying barriers against them, and explore ways of penetrating new markets.
Steps Exporter would take to Export Goods
- Receive and carefully study the indent to understand the buyer’s requirements like quantity, quality, delivery time, and payment terms.
- Confirm the order by sending a proforma invoice showing price, payment terms, delivery schedule, and product details to the buyer.
- Start production or source the goods ensuring all specifications are met and quality control is strictly maintained throughout the process.
- Register with NEPC and obtain all required export permits, licenses, and inspection certificates before proceeding with export.
- Package the goods securely using export-standard materials and label them clearly with product details, handling instructions, and origin.
- Contact shipping or freight forwarding companies to book cargo space on ships, airplanes, or trucks, based on delivery urgency and cost.
- Prepare export documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, insurance, and customs forms.
- Submit documents to Nigerian Customs Service for inspection and clearance, paying any duties or fees required for legal export.
- Transport the goods safely from factory or warehouse to the designated port, ensuring proper handling during the movement process.
- Load the goods onto the carrier, obtain the bill of lading or airway bill, and send the shipping documents to the buyer or bank.
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Revision Questions
- What is Nigeria export promotion council.
- What are the functions of Nigerian export promotion council?
- What are the steps an exporter would take to export goods from receipt of an indent to the shipment of the goods.?