Latest news with #NOPPMAN
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: NEPC, NBS partner for informal cross-border trade data collection
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have entered into a partnership that would enable and facilitate data collection from informal cross-border trade. Speaking while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NBS in Abuja, the Executive Director of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni said the partnership marked a major turning point in Nigeria's quest to grow its export trade through the capturing of data in the informal sector. She explained that existing trade data primarily capture activities within the formal sector, offering limited visibility into informal export trade transactions, despite their significant volume and economic impact. 'In 2024, formal export trade records indicate that 7.291 million metric tons of non-oil products valued at US$5.456 billion were exported from Nigeria. This figure excludes informal export trade data. 'Informal export trade, representing millions of dollars in goods and services, has remained largely outside our official records. Informal export trade data collected by NEPC State offices from major corridors in Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Lagos, Ogun, and Adamawa reveal transactions valued at over $31.8 million in some months of 2024.' Ayeni disclosed that reports from the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN), reveal that over 1.6 million bags worth of the commodity were traded informally to neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Cote D Ivoire, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, and Niger Republic. She noted that these impressive achievements were not captured in the national export trade statistics, thus portending real implications for economic planning for the country. 'It weakens Nigeria's voice in regional and global trade negotiations, it denies informal traders the recognition and support they need to thrive, as well as diminishes Nigeria's economic potential, especially the vital contributions of women, youth, and MSMEs.' The ED stated that the collaboration between the Council and the NBS was borne out of the desire to correct the imbalance and capture the full spectrum of Nigeria's export trade activity. On his part, the Statistician General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said that the meeting of key players from national and sub-national agencies, regional institutions, international development partners, and the organized private sector, reflects the strong spirit of collaboration required to address one of the most pressing challenges in Nigeria's trade data architecture, capturing and integrating data from informal trade and trade in services into the national framework. He is of the view that the data gap severely impedes evidence-based policymaking, 'limits our capacity to engage in fair trade negotiations, and undermines the accuracy of our macroeconomic indicators.r 'Taditional trade measurement systems have long focused on formal, large-scale transactions while overlooking the vibrancy of informal trade routes. This must be corrected if we are to align our economic statistics with reality.' Adeniran disclosed that informal trade in Sub-Saharan Africa contributes between 20 to 40 per cent of intra-African trade, with Nigeria accounting for a significant share due to its long and porous borders. 'These are not just gaps in data, rather, they represent gaps in our understanding of economic life and the well-being of millions of Nigerians who engage in these activities daily,' he noted. He said the collaboration with NEPC presents a timely opportunity to update and harness current trends, identify new opportunities, and design data-informed strategies to support trade formalization, enhance competitiveness, and ultimately foster inclusive economic growth. 'This initiative is a strategic intervention that will enhance institutional capacities, promote regulatory coherence, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in trade statistics. 'Capturing informal trade data will also help us design smarter border policies, enhance food security, facilitate small and medium enterprise development, and monitor regional integration efforts,' he added. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Farmers devastated as key crop becomes nearly impossible to grow: 'Customers are complaining, and my business is suffering'
Extreme temperatures are affecting crops around the world, impacting market value and the livelihoods of farmers and workers. The most recent news is that the farming regions in Nigeria are experiencing extreme heat. Extremely high temperatures are threatening the tomato farming region in Kano, Nigeria. Temperatures are exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit when tomatoes need between 59 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 degrees Fahrenheit to comfortably grow. Farmer Fatima Musa shared her frustration with Business Day Nigeria: "By the time we transport them, half are already bad." The onion industry is also seeing major losses, with 50% post-harvest losses. "More than half of our production is wasted after harvest due to inadequate storage, limited preservation technology, and unreliable transportation," said Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, president of the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NOPPMAN). All of the agriculture industries combined in Nigeria average a 40% loss, which is above its allotment under its five-year federal budget. Extreme temperatures affect every part of the farming process — from how much fruit is produced to how much fruit makes it to market before it starts to decay. Cold storage is usually the answer to prevent the latter, but many farmers in Nigeria do not have that luxury. This often forces farmers to sell at below-market prices or watch their crops go to waste. "We produce enough food in Nigeria, but we waste almost half of it before it reaches the market," Dr Adeola Fakorede, an agricultural economist, said to Business Day Nigeria. When crops become unusable or do not make it to market as expected, this reduces the farmers' income and increases the cost of the produce, which puts a further strain on the wallets of everyday consumers. If these trends continue, it can become an issue of national food security. The heat also becomes an issue for those fasting for Ramadan, as the workers do not want to compromise their religious obligations but need to work in unbearable temperatures. Scientists around the world are starting to develop climate-resilient crops that will withstand extreme temperatures. Gene-editing, with processes like CRISPR, can enhance everything from its nutritional value to its temperature tolerance. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Farmers are also starting to revolutionize planting techniques and improve irrigation so that they are more adaptable to temperature and keep away pests with fewer chemicals. The Nigerian Stored Produce Research Institute is also working on expanding its infrastructure and increasing its cold storage hubs. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
