SON Tasks Government on Adire Fabrics, as FG Plans Exports Promotion

Prompted by local and international market demands as regards the standard and quality of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ products, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has tasked the Nigerian government, investors and general private organisations on proper standards certification of Adire fabrics and other locally-made products.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) disclosed that some ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ products, especially Adire fabrics are recording low patronage in both local and foreign markets due to the inability of producers and government to get those products dully certified by SON, which it said had been hampering the confidence and trust that would-be buyers and consumers have as regards the consumption of such products.

Speaking exclusively with BusinessDay shortly after the maiden meeting held by Ogun State Council of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Daudu Edward, Head, Ogun State SON Office, lamented that quite a number of locally-made products had not been certified by the agency, and therefore considered sub-standards.

Edward said that non-standard and quality certification of some products in the country by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) was against the International standards practice and therefore negatively affecting sales and exports of African fabrics and other products.

He said, “it is a pity that some locally-made products are not NIS-certified and therefore considered sub-standards. It is surprising that the much-talk-about Adire fabrics does not have NIS-certification and nobody is looking into that direction. Adire fabrics will sell more in the market and will attract more export value if there is an effort towards it certification by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, as part of efforts ensuring favourable balance of trade and payment, is planning exports promotion for Adire fabrics and other Nigerian made textiles.

Bimbo Ashiru, the Ogun state commissioner for commerce and industry, while officiating the maiden meeting of Ogun State Council of MSMEs at Government Secretariat Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, disclosed that the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga had sent a delegation to the State to meet with Adire fabrics and other local textiles producers on the evolution and production of international standard Adire fabrics.

Ashiru however, assured that the export promotion for Adire fabrics, as proposed by the Federal Government would boost investment in the Adire fabrics production sub-sector of the Nigerian economy, improve the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), create wealth and generate employment and correct the country balance of trade and payment.
http://businessdayonline.com/2013/08/son-tasks-government-on-adire-fabrics-as-fg-plans-exports-promotion/

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Jonathan Inaugurates Diaspora Export ;Programme

President Goodluck Jonathan has inaugurated the implementation of the Diaspora Export Programme, designed to improve trade between Nigeria and other countries of the world in her favour.

The President said during a meeting with the Nigerian community in Nairobi, Kenya, that the programme, laid down by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, would encourage the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises owned by Nigerians at home and abroad.

A statement on Sunday quoted Jonathan as saying this just as the two countries began mechanisms to double trade between them within two years with the establishment of the Nigeria-Kenya Trade and Investment Council.

Already, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya has approved the issuance of five- to 10-year visas to genuine Nigerian businessmen without restriction, the statement added.

Kenyatta announced the approval while closing the Nigeria-Kenya Business Forum.

He said, “One of my highest priorities as President of Kenya is to break various barriers against investment and trade among African nations. There is absolutely no reason why Africa should submit to poverty amidst so many opportunities.

“People to people contact will solidify and encourage businesses, especially between our two countries. To allow this to happen and ensure that people travel with ease, without restriction, I have instructed my Cabinet Secretary on Interior to give five to 10-year visas to Nigeria businessmen without any restriction.”

Jonathan urged Nigerians in Kenya to key into the DEP as a veritable means of ensuring that trade between both countries improved in favour of Nigeria, adding that Nigerian women in Kenya, who had complained of not being able to start businesses, should liaise with the MITI on the steps to follow.

http://www.punchng.com/business/business-economy/jonathan-inaugurates-diaspora-export-programme/

NEPC, JETRO Train Exporters on Products Profiling

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has partnered the Japan External Trade Organisation to train Nigerian manufacturers on the importance of product and business profiling.

NEPC and JETRO in a workshop organised to strengthen their ties in Lagos, explained that profiling enhances the acceptance of product and its producer in the market.

Acting Zonal Coordinator, NEPC, Lagos, Mrs Evelyn Obidike noted that it was important for exporters to brand their products to meet international standards.

She said: “We observe that some of our exporters still don’t understand the importance of creating profile for their products and market especially to Japan. This is why we have brought experts from Japan to explain what is needed to meet Japan and other international markets.

“We also have a trade exhibition, otherwise known as Food fair aimed at promoting the development and diversification of Nigeria's export trade; assisting in promoting the development of export-oriented industries in Nigeria; provide technical assistance to local exporters in such areas as export procedure and documentation, transportation, financing, marketing techniques, quality control, export packaging, costing and pricing, publicity and in other similar areas.”

While urging Nigerians to patronise locally made products, Obidike advised manufacturers to get accustomed with export market requirements.

“Apart from exposing the exporters to opportunities in the Japanese markets, Nigeria is yet to maximise exports across countries of the globe. It is also important to develop exportation of value-added products to other countries and boost earnings from non-oil exports,” she added.
Trade Commissioner, JETRO, Lagos, Taku Hiroki, during the inspection of the exporters’ products counselled the exporters to improve on their packaging.

He said goods in the Japanese market were graded based on the quality of products; packaging; product and business profiling; and standardisation certification.

He said: “Before starting business, Japanese companies tend to do a thorough research about the profiles of the companies and the products involved. It is better to encourage exporters’ to start with semi-processed raw agricultural products in order to enhance market penetration.”

Executive Secretary, Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria, Mr. Felix Oladujoye, who commended the organisations for the workshop, said the training has exposed them to the standard and requirements of the Japanese market.

http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/nepc-jetro-train-exporters-products-profiling

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