NEPC, NANS Launch Initiative to Prepare Nigerian Students for Non-Oil Export Opportunities

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has launched the first phase of the STEPX Initiative to equip Nigerian students with knowledge of non-oil exports and prepare them to explore opportunities in international trade.

The initiative is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of exporting, build their understanding of global markets and encourage young Nigerians to develop businesses capable of competing beyond the domestic market.

Phase One of the programme brought together students from across the South-West student community, with significant participation from NANS members. The event attracted a large audience, with participants remaining throughout the programme.

Presentations at the event focused on the rudiments of export, providing participants with insights into the basic requirements for taking Nigerian products to international markets.

The programme also seeks to bridge the knowledge gap among young people by making export education more accessible and helping students understand how to transform their ideas, skills and business ventures into opportunities in the non-oil export sector.

Through the STEPX Initiative, NEPC and NANS aim to encourage students to look beyond conventional employment opportunities and consider entrepreneurship and international trade as potential pathways to economic advancement.

The programme is expected to expose participating students to the possibilities within Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, which remains an important component of efforts to diversify the country’s economy, expand foreign exchange earnings and create employment opportunities.

Speaking on the initiative, the NEPC representative expressed appreciation to the Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Ayodele Olawande, who was represented at the event by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leader in Lagos State, Comrade Damilare Orimoloye.

Appreciation was also extended to the National President of NANS and his team for their commitment to the collaboration, which facilitated the implementation of the programme.

The initiative reflects the growing recognition of the need to engage young Nigerians in productive economic activities and provide them with practical knowledge that can support entrepreneurship, innovation and participation in international commerce.

NEPC reiterated its commitment to harnessing the potential of Nigerian youths and equipping them with the knowledge and opportunities needed to contribute to the growth of the non-oil export sector.

The Council emphasised that young Nigerians could play a significant role in expanding the country’s export base, adding value to locally produced goods and services, and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.

The STEPX Initiative is expected to provide a platform for sustained engagement with students, helping to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs and exporters who can contribute to economic diversification and national development.