‎NEPC Misrepresents Nigeria at China Expo, Say Exporters

‎
‎…Demand Probe of Council’s Activities
‎
‎Nigerian exporters have accused the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) of misrepresenting the country at the recently concluded China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, calling for an immediate probe into the council’s handling of international trade events.
‎
‎Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Protem Chairman of the exporters’ group, Harriman Natsa, criticized the NEPC’s approach to global trade fairs, alleging that Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are consistently sidelined by the council’s current leadership.
‎
‎“A total number of 176 deals were signed during the China-Africa expo which is more than eleven billion dollars as more than 200,000 people visited the venue,” Natsa stated.
‎“With these statistics, the expo would have provided the perfect prospect for Nigerian businesses to explore new markets, access Chinese technologies, foster direct interactions with Chinese manufacturers and investors.”
‎
‎The China-Africa expo attracted over 4,700 Chinese and African enterprises and more than 30,000 participants. However, Nigeria’s presence, according to Natsa, was reduced to an embarrassing display of bathroom rubber slippers and hand sanitizers—products allegedly selected by NEPC officials without involving actual exporters.
‎
‎“While other African countries participate in the China-Africa expo to showcase their premium products, the NEPC ended up exhibiting shame and embarrassment. Perhaps someone needs to school the NEPC that participation in such world events goes beyond exhibition—it is a political and economic statement that determines how a country should be rated in the comity of nations,” Natsa said.
‎
‎With the recent hike in tariffs by the United States, many African countries are looking to deepen trade ties with China. Exporters argue that NEPC failed to seize this strategic opportunity, revealing a lack of understanding of current global trade dynamics.
‎
‎A viral video from the Nigerian pavilion at the expo has sparked outrage, exposing what exporters describe as a troubling pattern by the NEPC—sending council officers to international trade events without involving exporters. Instead of collaborating with the organized private sector, the council allegedly purchases or collects sample products and sends its staff to represent Nigeria, often at significant cost.
‎
‎“Sometimes, sample products are collected free from exporters for display at trade fairs without inviting the actual exporters. That was what happened during the China-Africa expo,” the exporter added.
‎
‎Exporters are now demanding that the NEPC publish a comprehensive list of all international trade events attended by its officials and compare that with the number of participating Nigerian exporters.
‎
‎The exporters insist that until the NEPC reforms its approach, Nigeria risks continued misrepresentation on global platforms, further weakening its position in international trade.
‎