BEVERLY HILLS, March 09, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has assured manufacturers and producers of export commodities of a more conducive operating environment, pledging that it will soon come out with a clear and coordinated policy framework to guide and support export business in Nigeria.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma gave this assurance in Abuja, while meeting with a delegation from the Organized Private Sector Exporters Association.
He informed the delegation that government was already working on the harmonization of relevant policies relating to manufacturing and exports in line with its determination to move the country from a mono-economy to a diversified economy.
“Our policy will be clear and coordinated. You will have certainty, clarity and predictability. You will have clarity on government policies as government is determined to support manufacturing and increase export,” Udoma stated.
He stated that the government is currently focusing attention on agriculture, solid minerals and the manufacturing sectors in order to move the economy in the desired direction, adding that diversification must be on all relevant facets of production, to increase local production, boost export revenue and create more jobs.
He assured the association that government through the ministry, will continue to engage and collaborate more with the group to support export and production activities in the country and also promote the course of the association going forward.
Speaking earlier, Secretary General of the association, Jaiyeola Olarenwaju told the Minister that there was the need to harmonise and give effect to policies of government particularly as it affects exporters.
He applauded government’s move towards diversify the economy and pointed out that such effort will require a firm partnership with the organized private sector for meaningful results.
He explained that the association was in the Ministry to share with government the opportunities and challenges facing the economy and exporters, since the present economic situation requires stronger collaboration.
Olarewaju, then advised government to support the manufacturing sector, minimize import, diversify the economy, increase production as well as review the present CBN restriction and utilization of foreign exchange
The group tasked government to restore the Exports Grant Expansion Policy and also clear the backlog of money owed the association.
