Oluwatobi Adu 
MUBI, Nigeria – A fresh export drive in Adamawa State is pushing 210 smallholder farmers closer to international markets, as the state government and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) equip producers with skills, inputs and certification support.
The empowerment programme is held on Saturday in Mubi, bringing together farmers and small business owners from across the state to learn export standards and modern production practices.
Addressing participants, Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry Ishaya Dabari says the initiative removes long-standing barriers preventing local producers from accessing global markets. “In partnership with NEPC, we introduce a strategy that allows 150 SMEs to obtain export certificates at no cost,” Dabari says.
“Governor Ahmadu Fintiri decides to pay the processing fees because he understands the financial limits of our people.”
He lists sesame, groundnut, hibiscus, soybeans, ginger and processed foods as key commodities under the programme, adding that the training is conducted simultaneously across Adamawa’s three senatorial zones.
NEPC North-East Regional Coordinator Anani Egon says the intervention aligns with the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms, supported by the World Bank, and aims to diversify Nigeria’s economy through non-oil exports. “Adamawa has the potential to become a credible supplier of quality agricultural produce to international markets,” Egon says, urging beneficiaries to apply the skills gained.
Beneficiaries, including farmer Abubakar Mayo, commend the programme, saying equipment and farm inputs provided will boost productivity and improve livelihoods.
The initiative underscores Adamawa’s growing ambition to position agriculture as a driver of jobs, foreign exchange earnings and inclusive economic growth.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 