NEPC Boss, Awolowo Resumes, Vows Accelerated Devt of Non-oil Sector

The Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo has vowed to intensify efforts at improving the contribution of the non-oil exports sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.

Awolowo, who was recently reappointed for a second tenure as the Executive Director/ CEO of NEPC by President Muhammadu Buhari, officially resumed work on Tuesday.

He was received on arrival by the management and staff of the organisation, led by the Director, Export Development & Incentives, George Enyieokpon. Awolowo, who expressed happiness to be back in office, said his second coming was an opportunity to intensify efforts at improving the contribution of non-oil exports sector to economy.

According to him, “I am thankful to Mr. President as this offers me the opportunity to continue our drive towards a zero oil economy hinged on the accelerated development of our non-oil sector…This will be enhanced by the implementation of the Zero Oil pillar of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and buoyed by the recently launched National Economic Council Committee on Export Promotion”.

He further added: “I appreciate the tremendous support of our parent ministry - the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, International Development Partners, dedicated exporters and other stakeholders for their interest in the development and promotion of the non-oil export sector.”

The CEO, shortly after resumption, received the executive members of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) led by its President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode.

Kayode, who congratulated Awolowo on his re-appointment, noted that it was a clear testimony of the present administration’s determination to drive Nigeria to the path of economic buoyancy through the non-oil sector using the agency as the navigating tool. He announced the establishment of an Export Desk at the Chambers as a liaison platform to enhance collaborative strategies to promote the non-oil export sector.

Kayode also urged Awolowo “to institutionalise a regular consultation with the organised private sector (OPS) in order to fast track activities in the area.

“The re-appointment is another opportunity for him to continue to drive Nigeria out of the mono economy and in an accelerated manner sustainably place her on the map of countries whose non-oil exports have accounted for their development. For us in the Chamber, our doors are wide open and we are always ready to contribute our ideas and expertise in order to achieve a fully diversified non-oil economy for Nigeria”, he added.

Awolowo was recently reappointed for a second tenure that will last for four years by President Buhari as the Executive Director/CEO of NEPC -according to a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, dated February 28, 2018.