In an effort to reduce the nation’s dependency on oil, the Lagos State government has moved to increase the exportation of locally manufactured goods by extending support to Micro, Small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.
The state government has so far provided these MSMEs with platforms for them to showcase their products and services to the world and also assured them of continuous support.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Akande assured that Lagos state will play a pivotal role in ensuring that there is an increase in the exportation of local goods, adding that this will be achieved by leveraging on the state’s two major seaports, the Apapa Port Terminals and The Tin Can Island.
She disclosed this when the leadership of the Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria (CIECOBON) paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry.
In her words: “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is very keen at encouraging increased export of locally made goods, which is why the government has extended numerous support, especially to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and provided platforms such as the MSMEs Exclusive Fair and others for entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to the world”.
“I believe that Lagos has a major role to play in reducing the nation’s dependency on crude oil revenue and we will continue to work with organizations such as yours to achieve this”.
Also, commenting on this is the President/Council Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria, Dr. Ayobami Omotoso, who stated that for the institute to tap into the abundant opportunities in export and community brokerage, it needs the support of the government.
Dr. Ayobami further stated that considering the fact that Lagos has huge economic activities and structure compared to other states, the state will play a big role in the nation’s export business.
He emphasized the need to concentrate on high-quality production of organic products for easier compliance with regulatory provisions of the destination countries.