NEPC and ITC Launch Workshop for Sesame, Cowpea Exports

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) commenced a two-day workshop on April 14, 2024, in Kano, aimed at enhancing compliance for sesame and cowpea exports. The workshop brought together farmers, export associations, and development partners to address challenges affecting export quality and to reduce rejection rates of Nigerian agricultural products in international markets.

NEPC's Executive Director, Nony Ayeni, emphasized the importance of identifying gaps and improving coordination to address sanitary and phytosanitary issues within the sesame and cowpea value chains. The workshop is part of the STDF 845 initiative, which aims to tackle compliance challenges and improve Nigeria's competitiveness in global markets.

The event will conclude on April 15, 2024, with a focus on raising awareness about compliance issues among stakeholders. The NEPC aims to promote non-oil exports, which reached a record value of $6.1 billion in 2025, and to support exporters in meeting international standards.