Trade
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), on Monday, held a sensitisation workshop on export trade dispute resolution measures for non-oil exporters in Imo.
The council also enlightened the participants on the role of pre-shipment agents in facilitating seamless international trade.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised in Owerri by NEPC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), formerly the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and Gojopal Nigeria Limited.
The theme of the workshop was “Compliance: Panacea for Non-oil Export Growth”.
The NEPC’s Executive Director, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, said the council remained committed to making the world a marketplace for Nigerian products.
Ayeni, represented by the Imo Coordinator of NEPC, Mr Anthony Ajuruchi, said that Nigerian exports must move without hindrance from disputes, rejections or avoidable documentation errors.
She emphasised the need for continuous training of exporters.
“Training will help them understand international trade requirements and avoid issues capable of undermining the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the global market,” Ayeni said.
Speaking, the Aba Zonal Director of NPERA, Mrs Lilian King-Chibuzor, identified shipment, contract, quality, payment and logistics disputes as some of the major challenges confronting exporters.
She advised exporters to engage independent inspectors, secure adequate insurance coverage and ensure accurate documentation before shipment.
She also urged exporters to register with the Cargo Defence Fund to benefit from its support services in the event of trade-related disputes.
Also, Mr Ferdinand Odey of Gojopal Nigeria Limited underscored the importance of inviting pre-shipment inspection agents to examine cargo before it leaves the country.
According to him, early inspection helps to confirm the quality, quantity and condition of goods, thereby reducing the risk of disputes with foreign buyers.
Some of the participants commended NEPC and its partners for providing practical guidance aimed at strengthening non-oil export growth in Imo.
NAN reports that the programme featured interactive sessions and presentations by logistics companies at the workshop (NAN)
