By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nexhub Export Conference was successfully held at the Sheraton Hotel Ikeja, drawing attention to the theme “Navigating the Future of Non-Oil Export”.
This event brought together key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at boosting Nigeria’s capabilities in the non-oil export sector.
The event was highly graced by His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Lagos State – Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (represented by Mrs. Adesina Helen Titilayo, Director of Commerce, Lagos Ministry of Commerce, Co-operatives, Trade, and Investment), Special Assistant to the President (Office of the Vice President) on Digital and Creative Economy – Mr. Fegho John Umunubo, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) – Barr. Dele Kelvin Oye Esq. and other highly placed stakeholders.
The conference kicked off with opening remarks from the Group Managing Director Zeenab Group and Chairman of Nexhub, Dr. Victor Ayemere, and the Managing Director Nexhub, Mr. Babatunde Faleke, who both emphasized the importance of collaboration in the export landscape.
Dr. Ayemere encouraged Nigerians to showcase and export commodities unique to their states, while Mr. Faleke highlighted the potential for exporting services and cultural products, using The Eyos as a prime example.
Barr. Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), chaired the event and expressed his pride in the Nexhub initiative. He underscored the necessity for Nigerians to diversify their export activities, urging attendees to seize new opportunities within the non-oil sector through the Nexhub platform.
key moments of the conference were addresses from top dignitaries, Mrs. Adesina Helen Titilayo, representing the Lagos State Governor and serving as the Director of Commerce, who praised the Nexhub initiative, describing it as a positive step for Nigeria. Her comments highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance export growth.
The Special Assistant to the President (office of the vice president) on Digital and Creative Economy, Mr Fegho John Umunubo, elaborated on the significance of the creative economy as a vital driver for exports. He stressed the importance of digitalization in business to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth, calling for collective efforts among stakeholders through Nexhub.
Comptroller I.K Oladeji of the Nigerian Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone A, urged Nigerians in his address to engage in Export as the Nigerian Exporters Hub has made it easy for seamless Exportation.
Mrs. Folashade, representing the Managing Director of Nexim Bank, discussed the critical role of financial instruments in facilitating trade transactions, ensuring that businesses have the necessary funding for their export endeavors. Barr. Kola Awe, MD of XPT logistics, also raised concerns about the risks businesses face in the current market environment, advocating for increased engagement in export activities.
The event featured panel discussions, paper presentation on key topics addressing concerns regarding export with notable dignitaries in attendance, which includes, the Honorable Commissioner for commerce and Industry Osun State, the National Coordinator AfCFTA, Group Executive Director Operations Zeenab Group, Export associations, Import associations, Banks and members of the press and distinguished guests among several others.
A key milestone of the conference was the inauguration ceremony of the Nexhub Lagos subscribers’ inaugural shipment of 10 containers of Sesame seeds, Cassia Tora and Mica to China.
The Nexhub Export Conference Lagos edition successfully brought together influential voices to strategize and promote Nigeria’s non-oil export potential, setting the stage for a brighter future in the country’s export landscape. The Abuja edition of the conference is set to hold on the 23rd of October,2024.