By: Joshua Adinoyi
Organizers of the Kogi State Made in Nigeria Trade Fair have assured that the event will create ease in the Exportation of locally made products to other parts of the World.
The Area Officer, Nigeria Shippers Council Lokoja Area Office, Edwin Ignatius, gave the assurance in an interview in Lokoja.
Ignatius said the Trade Fair, which happens to be the first of its kind in the State will go a long way at exposing businessmen and women to exportation opportunities and as well, creates room for networking in the business world.
He explained that representatives of Customs, World Bank, among other critical actors in the Export sector will be at the event to sensitize the people on all they need to know about the Export Business.
“The Nigeria Shippers Council in Collaboration with NASSI Kogi State Chapter a d M2 Global Multi Vista Resources with support from the Kogi State Government, Shippers Association Kogi and other financial institutions put this event together
“We are out to ensure Commodity Associations are shown ways on how their products can be taken to the International Market with ease
“Most of the international business we do in Nigeria is basically Import, Containers are shipped to the Country filled to the brim but departs our shores empty
“We don’t Export much most especially none oil products, so the Kogi State Made in Nigeria Trade and Exhibition 2022 will go a long way at changing that narratives
“This program will give us platform to sensitize the public that such facility in Kogi State is essential and see how Nigerians can be well informed about the advantages and the need for them to approach us” he explained.
Edwin Ignatus pointed out that there are facilities in Kogi State that has come to put a stop to several challenges people face to travel far distance to export their products, stressing that it will go a long way at reducing several cost implications when utilize by the people.
“We have warehouses in Lokoja and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas and they are meant basically to add value to products produced in Kogi and other Neighboring State with standard grading and upgrading in terms of packaging and other aspects
“With the Facilities, Exporters don’t have to travel to Lagos or other long distance States to export their locally made products, all they need to do is to approach us and they will be shown the way” he said.
The Area Officer, Nigeria Shippers Council Lokoja Area Office, appreciated Kogi State Government for approving the Muhammadu Buhari Square as venue to host the all-important event, pointing out that such was a display of government’s readiness towards the growth of businesses in the State.
He described Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello as a man who matches his words with action, and commended his commitment towards ensuring peace in all parts of the State, which he explained would go a long way at boosting business activities.
The first Kogi State Made in Nigeria Trade and Exhibition 2022 has the theme: Integrating Food and Agriculture, Fashion/Textiles and Industrial/Exportable Products into the Global Export Market as Catalyst for National Development.
The event has kicked off in Lokoja, the State Capital on Monday, 20th November 2022.
