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FCTA To Partner With NEPC On Export Promotion

Published

5 years ago

September 25, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Capital Territory Administration will partner with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) towards the realization of all export promotion businesses and also host the forthcoming Technical Meeting of the National Committee on Export Promotion

This assurance was given by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello when a delegation from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, (NEPC) led by its Executive Director/CEO, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA.

Malam Bello called on NEPC to use the FCT as a place to implement all the Committee’s suggestions on export promotion and urged him to leverage on his in-depth knowledge of the FCTA to achieve this objective.

He urged the NEPC boss to take advantage of the potentials of the Abuja airport as a major export hub as well as the Abuja train corridor for the movement of goods.

Mr. Olusegun Awolowo who served in the FCTA as the Secretary for Social Development, Area Council, and Transportation under three Ministers, briefed Malam Bello that the Committee on Export Promotion was established by the National Economic Council to implement the Zero Oil Campaign, a document envisioned in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan as part of the economic diversification agenda of the Federal Government.

He also reiterated the expediency of diversifying sources of the country’s foreign reserve to insulate the economy from incessant economic shocks arising from the volatility of crude oil prices and other global geo-political and socio-political dynamics.

He explained further that this is premised on the potential of every state including the FCT in realizing an export-led economic revolution to earn foreign exchange and generate employment.

The NEPC boss added that the Technical Committee Meeting would enable all state governments and the FCT to present their export programmes and activities and match them with institutional export facilitation agencies.

Although the FCT has Shea butter and handicraft as an alternate product with competitive and comparative advantage to promote for export in line with the One State One Product initiative, Malam Bello urged NEPC to expand its scope to accommodate more value chains rather than just end products and also pay more attention to price stability.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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