The Adamawa State Business Enabling Reforms (SABER), in collaboration with the World Bank and various sub-national governments, is intensifying its efforts to promote export activities and strengthen local businesses. The state possesses abundant agricultural and mineral resources, which present significant untapped export potential in the realm of international trade.
In pursuit of these objectives, SABER convened a stakeholders’ forum dedicated to the improvement of export certification. Participants from various segments of the export chain came together at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yola.
During the opening remarks, Dr. Bello Abubakar Song, the Focal Person for the State Action Business Enabling Reforms, underscored that the SABER Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 6.3 aims to enhance the export readiness of firms through exporter certification and the implementation of a comprehensive state-level export strategy.
“I welcome all attendees to this important gathering and wish to convey that, in year three, a key requirement for achieving Disbursement Linked Indicator 6 is to increase the number of business entities that obtain export certification by 20 per cent by the conclusion of December 2025,” Dr. Bello stated.
He elaborated that while other disbursement indicators within the SABER program are administered by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within Adamawa State, this specific DLI necessitates the involvement of the Export Promotion Council, which is responsible for issuing export certifications along with other relevant organisations.
“Organisations such as Customs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) participate in the export certification process, which illustrates the significance of their involvement in today’s event,” Dr. Bello added.
Samson Idowu, Director of the Solid Minerals Directorate at the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, noted that this initiative signifies a proactive approach to addressing challenges in the non-oil export sector, particularly regarding quality, certification, and the capabilities of local businesses.
“Meeting the requirements of DLI 6.3 represents a critical step towards overcoming the aforementioned challenges and empowering both small-scale enterprises and larger exporters in Adamawa State through the formalisation of export certifications and the establishment of a strategic framework for growth,” Idowu articulated.
In addition, he acknowledged the Adamawa State Government and the Ministry of Trade and Investment for their innovative and community-focused approach to export development. “Through the community-based export promotion initiative, the state aspires to engage with 21 Local Government Areas to educate local communities, identify potential exporters, and promote exportable products while providing the requisite knowledge and support to facilitate participation in international trade,” he remarked.
The Adamawa State Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Ishaya Dabari, recognised several key challenges confronting exporters within the state and commended SABER for delineating a path forward.
Messages of support were also received from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the organised private sector, accompanied by technical sessions aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.