The Federal Government has strongly urged exporters to maintain the integrity of their products by avoiding adulteration. 

This call was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi, during a workshop on port economic regulation and its impact on the shipment of export commodities through Nigerian ports, held on Thursday in Kano.

Represented by the Director of the Commodity and Exports Department, Mr. Kaura Irimiya, Rimi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that exported goods meet high standards of quality and safety. 

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This, he noted, would enhance the reputation of Nigerian exports on the global market. By adhering to these guidelines, exporters will not only comply with international regulations but also protect consumer health and boost market confidence in Nigerian goods.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this stakeholders’ workshop on port economic regulations and their impact on the shipment of export commodities through Nigerian ports,” Rimi said. He highlighted the gaps in current regulations and the need for stakeholders to collaborate in finding lasting solutions.

“Our ability to efficiently export commodities such as oil, gas, and agricultural produce is crucial for economic growth and international competitiveness. Therefore, your involvement in this process is vital,” he added, urging participants to openly discuss their challenges and work together to find solutions.

The workshop, organized by the Export Commodities Coordinating Committee (ECCC) under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, in collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, aimed to address these issues. 

Rimi stressed the importance of fostering a competitive and transparent environment to integrate the informal economy into the formal sector, thereby improving the quality of Nigerian commodities and ensuring adherence to regulations.

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Pius Ukeyima, represented by the Director of the Northwest Coordinating Office, Hajiya Karimatu Usman, noted that this workshop is the second in a series of engagements with the ECCC. 

“The first workshop was recently held in Lagos. These engagements involve discussions on contemporary issues affecting export trade, resolving challenges related to tariffs and charges, and improving service delivery standards.

“As part of its regulatory mandate, the council has embarked on cost modeling exercises, engaged service providers to ensure fair tariffs, set national operational standards, and established mechanisms for monitoring compliance. The council has also mediated in numerous dispute resolution activities to ensure harmony in the port sector.”

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano Ministry of Commerce, Investment, and Industries, Muhammad Yusuf Dan’duwa, stated that the Kano state government is continuously developing strategies to promote business and industry in the state.

He assured that the state government will create a conducive environment for businesses to operate efficiently.