Economy
NEPC Graduates 7 Staff On Ginger Sustainability Project: CBI
NEPC Graduates 7 Staff On Ginger Sustainability Project: CBI
NEPC graduates 7 staff on ginger sustainability project: CBI. Ms Ayeni said that the NEPC collaborated with the CBI and inaugurated the project in 2021.
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has graduated its seven staff on the Nigeria ginger sustainability project, to establish a resilient and competitive ginger industry across the country.
Nonye Ayeni, director-general of the council, said this at the inauguration/graduation ceremony of Export Support Officers/Product Specialists (ESOs) in Abuja on Wednesday.
The ESOs, which are under the NEPC and Centre for the Promotion of Imports (CBI) from developing countries, graduated on the Nigeria Ginger Sustainability Project 2021 to 2025.
Ms Ayeni said that the NEPC collaborated with the CBI and inaugurated the project in 2021, with the vision to establish a resilient, competitive, and sustainable ginger industry to meet international standards.
“This vision was driven by the understanding that Nigerian ginger is not just a commodity; it is a global product with unmatched flavour, pungency, and medicinal properties, capable of competing in the most demanding markets.
“The project was structured to build the capacity of our ginger companies to consistently meet the requirements of the European Union and other international markets.
“Also to strengthen the role of Export Support Officers as specialised advisers and catalysts for growth within the ginger value chain,” she said.
The director-general said that 17 ginger companies and 10 ESOs were selected at the commencement of the programme, adding that 14 companies and seven ESOs have been able to complete the programme.
According to her, I understand the ESOs went through a rigorous training programme which was a combination of theory and practice delivered physically and virtually.
She said that the training was delivered over a period of three years with several hours of lectures, workshops, training, and individual and group assignments.
She added that the ESOs and all staff members of the NEPC, by virtue of this intensive programme, had now become sectoral experts in ginger.
Ms Ayeni said that they also had been managing the relationship with the main companies in the project, adding that the programme was a pilot that developed internal capacities specialised in the ginger sector.
She said the graduands provided a better service to exporting companies, both from the technical dimension of the product, the technical topics on export promotion, and the managerial competencies to adequately manage key clients.
She said that the market Orientation Mission to the Netherlands and France in 2022, and the forthcoming Food Ingredients Fair in Paris in November and December 2025, were organised under the project.
According to the director-general, these have not only opened new opportunities for exporters but have also showcased Nigerian ginger as a premium product on the global stage.
NEPC Graduates 7 Staff On Ginger Sustainability Project
Ms Ayeni said that participation in the events culminated in the signing and execution of several contracts by the participating ginger companies and that the sustainability aspect of the project would be taken over by the council.
She added that the curriculum developed in the training of the ESOs would be adopted for other product sectors with some slight modifications to suit current realities.
She said that the council intended to take full advantage and the utilisation of the ESOs in the area of product specialist development for other commodities
‘’This is in line with the council’s focus in the development and promotion of 20 priority products under the Export 35 redefined Initiative,” Ms Ayeni said.
The director-general said that the graduation was not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new chapter.
According to her, the “product specialists”, our ESOs, are now equipped to provide targeted, professional guidance that will help our ginger exporters maintain quality, expand market share and secure long-term partnerships.
She, however, commended the CBI for their steadfast support, ESOs for their dedication, and the NEPC staff for their hard work in making the project a success.
“Together, we are building not only a stronger ginger sector but also a stronger Nigerian non-oil export economy.
“Congratulations to our graduates, and may your future contributions help Nigeria shine even brighter in the global marketplace,” she said.
In his remarks, Lawal Dalhat, director, policy and strategy department of the NEPC, said the project aimed at supporting the transition to a sustainable and high-quality ginger sector in Nigeria.
Mr Dalhat said that the project was designed to build the capacity of Nigerian ginger companies to export consistently to the EU and other international markets.
He added that the project would also strengthen institutional support systems for small and medium enterprises in the vital sector.
Adekunle Obatimehim, one of the graduands, said the knowledge gained from the project underscored the importance of a holistic value chain development from farm to export to achieve sustainable trade equity.
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
Eid-el-Fitr: NRC sets to run three Lagos–Ibadan train trips Monday. He assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos by NRC chief public relations officer, Callistus Unyimadu.
He said the additional trip was in response to high passenger turnout during the Eid-el-Fitr travel period.
“The extra trip is aimed at easing passenger movement and providing more travel options for commuters returning after the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“Under the schedule, departures from Lagos (Mobolaji Johnson Station, Ebute Metta) will be at 7.45 a.m., 1.40 p.m., and 4.00 p.m.
“From Ibadan (Obafemi Awolowo Station, Moniya), trains will depart at 8.00 a.m., 10.50 a.m., and 4.30 p.m.,” he said.
Mr Unyimadu assured passengers of NRC’s continued commitment to safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.
NRC Sets To Run Three Lagos–Ibadan Train Trips Monday
He advised travellers to arrive early, comply with ticketing and security procedures, and plan their journeys.
“The corporation appreciates the continued patronage of its services and wishes all passengers a safe and pleasant journey,” he added.
UBA, BII Sign Letter Of Intent To Explore Trade Finance Collaboration Across Africa
United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited (“UBA UK”) and British International Investment plc (“BII”), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, announced that they have signed a letter of intent to develop trade finance collaboration opportunities.
The proposed initiative aims to expand access to trade and working capital facilities for businesses operating across Africa.
Access to trade finance remains one of the most significant structural constraints on African trade. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are frequently unable to secure letters of credit, guarantees, and supply chain finance on commercially viable terms, limiting their capacity to export and import competitively. This trade finance gap is estimated by the African Development Bank to be over USD 80 billion annually.
To help close this gap, UBA UK, the London subsidiary of UBA Group, Africa’s Global Bank, will leverage its deep relationships across the Group’s 20-country African network to originate and structure trade finance transactions. While BII, with a mandate to support productive, sustainable, and inclusive growth across Africa, can support transactions that might otherwise fall outside conventional commercial appetite.
“The signing of this letter with BII represents a landmark moment for UBA UK and for the UBA Group’s global ambitions. As the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, UBA UK is uniquely positioned to connect African businesses with the international financial system. Working alongside BII, we can extend that capability further — mobilising capital where it matters most and helping to close the trade finance gap that holds back so much African potential,” said Lok Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK
“British International Investment is committed to catalysing private sector growth across Africa, and trade finance is a critical enabler of that growth. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with UBA Group, whose pan-African network and deep institutional relationships can help advance our ambition to expand access to trade and working capital finance, particularly in frontier markets,” Chris Chijiuitomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa
The announcement builds on growing momentum around intra-African trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which entered into force in 2021 and represents one of the world’s most significant trade integration initiatives. Both institutions have identified the operationalisation of AfCFTA as a priority catalyst for a trade finance facility, with UBA UK’s network across major AfCFTA economies offering a basis for supporting businesses navigating the emerging continental market.
This also complements the UK Government’s broader engagement with African economic development, including commitments made at the UK-Africa Investment Summit, and reinforces the City of London’s role as a leading international finance centre for Africa-focused capital mobilisation.
Future cooperation remains subject to further assessment, due diligence and the completion of internal approvals by both parties.
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UK) LIMITED
UBA UK is the London-based subsidiary of United Bank for Africa Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with operations across 20 African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates. UBA UK serves as the Group’s hub for Trade Operations, providing a comprehensive suite of trade finance, treasury, and correspondent banking services to institutional and corporate clients worldwide.
UBA
ABOUT UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA GROUP
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.
ABOUT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor. The organisation invests in businesses in developing countries to improve people’s lives and help protect the planet. BII’s work targets the underlying causes of poverty and the climate crisis, helping countries break free from aid dependency for good.
Between 2022-2026, at least 30 per cent of BII’s total new commitments by value will be in climate finance. BII is also a founding member of the 2X Challenge which has raised over $33.6 billion to empower women’s economic development.
The company has investments in over 1,600 businesses across 66 countries and total net assets of £9.87 billion. For more information, visit: www.bii.co.uk | watch here. Follow British International Investment on LinkedIn, Bluesky and X.
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu Felicitates Muslims, Urges Renewed Unity, Patriotism
Eid-el-Fitr: President Tinubu felicitates Muslims, urges renewed unity, patriotism. Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.
The president urged them to renew commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity as they celebrate the festival across the country on Friday.
This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Tinubu called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual lessons of Ramadan, noting that the holy month teaches discipline, sacrifice, compassion, and devotion to God and humanity.
He said: “We have a lot to draw from the noble lessons of Ramadan, especially at a time like this.
“We must continue to abide by the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion beyond this period.”
The president emphasised the need for Nigerians to remain united across religious and ethnic lines, stressing that national cohesion remains vital for sustainable peace and development.
He urged Muslims to extend acts of kindness and charity to the less privileged, irrespective of religious or ethnic background, in line with the enduring values of Islam.
Mr Tinubu noted that such gestures would strengthen social bonds, promote inclusiveness, and reinforce the spirit of brotherhood that defines the Nigerian society.
The president also called on religious leaders to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the country.
Tinubu
He expressed optimism that with collective efforts, Nigeria would overcome its challenges and achieve lasting progress for the benefit of all citizens.
Mr Tinubu wished Muslims a joyous celebration, praying that the blessings of Ramadan would bring renewed hope, strength, and guidance to individuals, families, and the nation.
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