The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting Nigeria’s agricultural exports through improved quality production and compliance with global standards.
NEPC Executive Director, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, stated this at a workshop on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for smallholder soybean farmers on Friday in Yola.
Ayeni, represented by the North-East Regional Coordinator, Mr Anani Egon, said the training aligns with NEPC’s goal of empowering smallholder farmers for international market competitiveness.
She said the council had expanded support to crops such as cashew, ginger, sesame, and hibiscus, enhancing yields and linking farmers with processors and exporters.
Ayeni identified soybeans as Adamawa’s strategic crop, noting that poor access to improved seeds and low yields hinder productivity and export potential.
“Soybean has been selected as Adamawa’s focus crop under the One State One Product (OSOP) initiative to improve competitiveness and global export readiness.
“The workshop aims to equip farmers with modern practices that enhance productivity, sustainability, and compliance with international export standards,” she said.
Ayeni said NEPC was collaborating with the Soybean Farmers Association of Nigeria to develop farmer clusters for improved quality production and export capacity.
She commended the Adamawa Government for supporting farmers and urged participants to adopt best practices to make the state a hub for quality soybean exports.
Earlier, Adamawa Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mr Ishaya Dabari, represented by Mrs Sosa Bison, appreciated NEPC for organising the capacity-building event.
Dabari said Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri had approved and funded the registration of 150 prospective exporters across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“Fifty participants were drawn from each zone to encourage more participation in non-oil export ventures through NEPC’s free registration process,” he said.
He urged farmers to form clusters, clean and package soybeans properly, and link with marketers for better access to export markets.
Dabari cautioned against selling produce cheaply to middlemen from other states, saying such practices reduce profits and hinder economic growth.
Dr Dahiru Waziri, Chairman, Soybean Processors and Marketers, said soybean was a vital commodity for food, livestock feed, oil, and industrial production.
He said the value-chain benefits could only be realised when product quality is maintained from cultivation to final packaging.
Waziri explained that the training would strengthen farmers’ skills in post-harvest handling, moisture control, packaging, and quality assurance to meet export standards.
He added that such efforts would enhance Nigeria’s reputation in global markets and ensure sustainable income for local farmers.
