The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other business stakeholders in Imo have officially launched nijazone.com, an online marketplace.
The unveiling took place in Owerri on Saturday.
Imo NEPC Coordinator, Mr. Anthony Ajuruchi, said the platform would address value chain challenges such as logistics, buyer verification, authenticity, and seller identification.
He described nijazone as a “welcome development” and advised existing and aspiring exporters to “key into the system without delay to expand their reach.”
Chief Joachim Nwogu, CEO of Nijazone and represented by Mr. Uche Ndubuisi, stated that although nijazone originated in Imo, it aims to expand beyond Nigeria and reach the world.
“Nijazone’s unique strength is our access to rural communities, linking farmers and producers to the global market,” Nwogu said. “If our farmers connect with us, their products will no longer perish but be sold from the comfort of their homes.”
Additionally, Dr. Ngozi Okechukwu, the company’s Country Director, explained that the platform was created to add value to African traditional products through a broader market that can generate foreign exchange revenue.
Okechukwu noted that nijazone.com would create employment along the value chain, help keep youth off the streets, and reduce social vices.
“We aim to create at least 1,000 jobs in Imo this year. Our trained staff will visit rural communities to teach youths how to navigate the website and become self-employed by offering services like dispatch,” she said.
Mr. Frank Nneji, CEO of ABC Transport Limited, praised the initiative as “the best rural vendor for managing orders” and urged Nigerians to use their mobile phones to connect via nijazone.com across Nigeria’s borders.
Mrs. Jovita Agwu, Technical Adviser to the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the Imo Government, encouraged youths to access the platform, emphasizing it would provide opportunities for local business owners to showcase Imo globally.
Prof. Chinonye Moses, Imo Commissioner for Entrepreneurship, Skills Acquisition, and Social Responsibility, advised rural producers to focus on quality and originality to meet international standards. He was represented at the event by Mrs. Ukamaka Umeh, Head of the Department of Skills Acquisition.
It was reported that small business owners and representatives from government agencies, including the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, attended the ceremony.
