The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has recently launched the Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC) in Apapa, Lagos, with a focus on empowering women and youths in Nigeria. During the inauguration, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasized that the centre serves as a pivotal mechanism for enhancing the skills of young people and women, particularly in areas such as bag-making and other fashion accessories. This initiative is positioned as a significant step towards fostering job creation and reducing poverty, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at revitalizing the economy and addressing pressing challenges in export growth and economic diversification.
Uzoka-Anite highlighted the demographic realities facing Africa, noting that the continent’s population is projected to double by 2050, with a significant proportion of the world’s youth residing within its borders. This context underscores the urgent need for initiatives like the ESAC in equipping Nigerians with essential skills to leverage opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The growing demand for Made-in-Africa fashion and the chance to penetrate new markets amplify the imperative of building competencies among local youth and women. The minister stressed that the establishment of this centre is driven by the necessity to tackle the fundamental hurdles impeding Nigeria’s export growth, thereby facilitating a broader economic diversification strategy.
The global fashion industry, which is currently valued at approximately $2.5 trillion, presents significant opportunities for Africa, whose fashion sector is valued at $31 billion but accounts for only 1.2% of the global market. Uzoka-Anite noted that the potential for growth in this sector necessitates the availability of specialized training programs in critical areas such as product development, quality control, and digital skills—ensuring that Nigerian products meet international standards and can compete on a global scale. This initiative will aid in preparing participants to create products that are not just competitive in the domestic market but also suitable for international audiences.
In support of this initiative, the Executive Director of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, revealed that the establishment of the ESAC is a result of a collaborative effort between the NEPC and Lelook Bags Academy, illustrating a practical partnership aimed at boosting Nigeria’s export capacity. Ayeni emphasized that this center will play a critical role in enhancing the export of value-added products from Nigeria. By focusing on job creation and cultivating a culture of export, especially among youth and women, the initiative aims to harness their potential, thereby contributing to overall economic growth.
Moreover, Ayeni pointed out the significant opportunities available within the global fashion and accessories market, expected to reach a value of $228 billion by 2024. This prospective growth presents a unique moment for Nigerian entrepreneurs and artisans to tap into international trade. The NEPC is determined to support small businesses and grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly under the AfCFTA framework, which aims to maximize their export potential. The combined efforts of these organizations underscore a commitment to nurturing a vibrant export culture and empowering marginalized groups through skill development and international market engagement.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Export Skills Acquisition Centre represents a critical investment in Nigeria’s future, anchored in the principles of skill development, economic diversification, and empowerment of the youth and women. By aligning with national goals and leveraging regional trade agreements, the ESAC not only seeks to enhance local industries but also aspires to position Nigeria favorably within the global marketplace. As the labour landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the ESAC are crucial in shaping a resilient economy capable of adapting to global demands and paving the way for sustainable growth through exports.
