Lack of integrity among Nigerian exporters hobbles export trade – NEPC

Tayo Oladipupo       |

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has said that the attitude of not being truthful to foreign partners is the bane of low level of export trade of Nigerian products.

An officer of the Council, Akinlade Adam who spoke with our correspondent, made this observation, on the side-line of Nigeria-Japan Anti-Counterfeit Seminar held in Lagos Wednesday.

Adam said that some exporters lack integrity with their business partners abroad, hence loss of trust and discontinuance of such business agreement.

Speaking on yam export, he said that there were species of yams meant for export, adding that not all yams can withstand the number of days it takes to travel to its destination.

He however disagreed that yam export had stopped as he maintained that some individuals still engage in yam export.

According to him, the Council had in partnership with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and some farmers at Igboho in Oyo state, carried out a pilot scheme on yam production.

He quipped that the scheme was successful as farmers were enlightened on the right species of yam suitable for export.

He said anytime the Nigerian exporters breach contract terms with their partners abroad, it dampens the trust reposed in them.

Adam stated that because yam is a seasonal produce, it could not be seen all round the year except during its season, adding that is the reason people think it is no longer being exported.

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