The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have joined forces to promote export processing for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos.
This agreement was reached at a capacity building forum, held in Lagos, aimed to equip SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to tap into the global market.
Speaking at the event, NAHCO’s Group Executive Director, Prince Saheed Lasisi, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s vision of a 1 trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
“NAHCO sits at the centre of the export value chain,” Lasisi said, highlighting the company’s role in providing logistics and handling services for exporters.
He noted that SMEs are crucial to achieving this goal, and NAHCO is committed to providing the necessary support to help them succeed.
NACCIMA’s Chairman, Export Group, Kola Awe, noted that the association has established an Export Support Centre for MSMEs to address challenges faced by small businesses.
“MSMEs contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy, and we need to provide support for them to thrive in export markets,” Awe said.
He emphasized that the centre will provide guidance on export procedures, regulatory compliance, and access to markets.
The forum highlighted the importance of air logistics in boosting exports, with industry experts emphasizing the need for collaboration between stakeholders to address challenges facing SMEs.
The Managing Director of Polaris Bank, represented by Mrs. Ladi Ene Garba, stressed the importance of non-oil exports, noting that Nigeria’s economy is heavily dependent on crude oil.
“Expanding non-oil exports is not an option but a strategic imperative for economic development,” she said.
Other speakers at the event included representatives from government agencies, airlines, and logistics partners, who emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to drive growth in the aviation sector.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.
The initiative is expected to boost Nigeria’s export earnings, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
