Dike Onwuamaeze
Recently, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) recognized BAT Nigeria as one of the top non-oil exporters in the country. With exports generating approximately $110 million annually in foreign exchange, BAT Nigeria plays a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s balance of trade.
BAT Nigeria has also made a significant investment of over $185 million in its cutting-edge manufacturing facility located in Ibadan, Oyo State. This plant is not only dedicated to producing world-class products but also exports to 13 West African countries and the United States.
In an interview, Ms. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, the External Affairs Director for BAT West and Central Africa, shared her appreciation for the NEPC’s acknowledgment and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between exporters and regulatory bodies.
“It’s encouraging to see the government recognizing the contributions of non-oil exporters to Nigeria’s economic advancement,” she stated. “The direct engagement of key officials—including the Minister of Trade and Investment, the SON Director-General, and the NEPC CEO—with exporters is a positive step. It helps us identify the challenges we face and work towards actionable solutions.”
Erewa-Meggison also highlighted the urgent need for increased government support, particularly concerning Export Expansion Grants (EEGs). “These grants are essential for Nigerian exporters to remain competitive in the global market,” she said. “Without solid initiatives like the EEGs, the business landscape may become less inviting for manufacturers looking to expand their export endeavors.”
She raised concerns over the backlog of EEG payments that dates back to 2009, noting that 39 exporters are currently awaiting over ₦60 billion in payments. “Addressing these outstanding grants is critical for sustaining the export operations of manufacturers in Nigeria,” she added.
Erewa-Meggison emphasized that exporters must have unrestricted access to their proceeds to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves. “A seamless flow of access is necessary,” she explained. “Building a stronger partnership between the government and exporters is vital for unlocking opportunities, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth.”
The event was attended by notable figures, including Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Trade and Investment; Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, the Executive Director and CEO of NEPC; and Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke, the Director General of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON). This gathering also brought together influential players in the non-oil export sector, celebrating their contributions to economic growth and diversification.
The meeting served as an essential platform for key stakeholders and government officials to share insights on the pressing challenges non-oil exporters face and foster dialogue around practical solutions for accelerating the sector’s development. Discussions focused on tackling bottlenecks in trade operations and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian exports, which are vital for generating foreign exchange and promoting national economic sustainability.
Stakeholders across the non-oil export landscape reiterated their commitment to nurturing a beneficial relationship with the Nigerian government, aiming to create a flourishing export ecosystem that fortifies Nigeria’s economic resilience and positions it competitively in global markets.
The NEPC event marked a crucial milestone in the journey of aligning government priorities with those of non-oil exporters. It underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in ensuring the continued success of the export sector, which ultimately contributes to Nigeria’s long-term economic prosperity.
