By Ahmed Ahmed
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reiterated its commitment to standardising Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, with a renewed focus on formalizing artisanal mining activities and promoting value-added exports.
Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, made the commitment at a strategic engagement themed "Standardization of Solid Minerals and Artisanal Miners’ Activities," on Thursday in Bauchi.
The ED, represented by Deputy Director Mrs. Ngozi Ibe, highlighted the vast untapped potential within the sector while acknowledging persistent challenges such as informal mining practices, inadequate technology, and limited access to funding.
“This engagement is a critical step as it provides a platform to share ideas, promote clustering, and encourage value addition along the minerals value chain,” she said.
Ayeni emphasized NEPC’s strategic focus areas: enhancing the capacity of exporters, leveraging technology, expanding market access, and supporting value-added exports.
“Notably, solid minerals have now been officially included in NEPC’s One State-One Product (OSOP) initiative, following a resolution from the 16th National Council on Commerce, Trade, and Investment held in Lagos,” she said
She called on the Bauchi State Export Promotion Committee to implement these resolutions for inclusive stakeholder participation and sectoral growth.
The NEPC, she added, is pursuing initiatives such as establishing mineral clusters, formalizing cross-border trade, and creating export skill acquisition centers to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Alhaji Musa Pali, Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Bauchi Chapter, applauded the initiative, saying it would help curb illegal mining and improve access to funding and equipment.
Mrs. Fatie Isha, Bauchi State Coordinator for Women in Mining (WIMN), also commended NEPC, noting that standardization would enhance the participation of women miners in cross-border trade.
She urged the government to create a more supportive environment for women in the sector.
The event attracted a wide array of stakeholders across the solid minerals value chain. Presentations were delivered by representatives from the Standards Organization of Nigeria and Gojopal Pre-Shipment Agents, among others
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