Reported by Simon yusuph,| Journalist at wengglobal
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and its workers’ union have jointly dismissed reports suggesting that employees are planning to embark on an industrial strike, describing such claims as false and misleading. Both parties have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining industrial harmony and sustaining the council’s operations as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy through increased non-oil exports.
The clarification comes amid growing public interest in the activities of government agencies responsible for driving economic diversification, particularly as Nigeria continues implementing reforms aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil revenues. By jointly rejecting reports of an impending strike, the NEPC management and labour representatives sought to reassure exporters, investors, development partners, and the wider business community that the council remains fully operational.
According to officials, the relationship between the management of the council and its workforce remains cordial, with established channels for dialogue and conflict resolution functioning effectively. They stressed that there are currently no unresolved disputes capable of disrupting the agency’s activities or affecting the delivery of services to Nigerian exporters.
The statement is significant because the NEPC occupies a strategic position within Nigeria’s economic development framework. Established to promote the development and expansion of non-oil exports, the council provides advisory services, export development programmes, capacity-building initiatives, market intelligence, and support for businesses seeking access to international markets.
In recent years, the Federal Government has increasingly relied on non-oil exports to strengthen foreign exchange earnings, improve trade competitiveness, and reduce the country’s vulnerability to fluctuations in global oil prices. Consequently, any reports suggesting operational disruptions within the council naturally attract attention from businesses and stakeholders across the export value chain.
The joint denial issued by the NEPC and its workers underscores the importance both management and labour attach to institutional stability. Officials noted that constructive engagement has remained the preferred approach to addressing workplace concerns, allowing issues to be resolved without resorting to industrial action.
Labour representatives also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the council’s mandate, emphasizing that employees remain focused on contributing to Nigeria’s export growth agenda. They urged members of the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise, describing them as inaccurate and capable of creating unnecessary anxiety among exporters and investors.
Industry observers note that maintaining stability within export promotion institutions is particularly important at a time when Nigeria is seeking to expand its presence in regional and international markets under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Government agencies responsible for export facilitation are expected to play an increasingly central role in helping Nigerian products meet international standards and access new markets.
The NEPC has continued to implement programmes aimed at supporting exporters in sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, creative industries, and services. Through training, certification support, market development initiatives, and trade promotion activities, the council seeks to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products globally.
Economic analysts have repeatedly highlighted non-oil exports as one of the country’s strongest opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Agricultural commodities, processed foods, leather products, textiles, manufactured goods, and creative services have all been identified as sectors capable of generating substantial export earnings while creating employment opportunities across Nigeria.
The reassurance from the council is therefore expected to provide confidence to businesses that rely on NEPC services for export documentation guidance, market information, product development support, and participation in international trade exhibitions.
Industrial harmony within public institutions has become increasingly important as Nigeria continues implementing broader economic reforms designed to improve productivity and attract investment. Labour disputes within strategic agencies can potentially delay government programmes, disrupt service delivery, and create uncertainty for private sector stakeholders.
By presenting a united position, both the management and workers’ union have demonstrated a willingness to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. Such cooperation reflects evolving labour-management relations within some public institutions, where regular consultation and negotiation have helped prevent conflicts from escalating into prolonged industrial actions.
Observers also note that misinformation regarding industrial disputes can have unintended economic consequences. False reports of strikes may affect investor confidence, create uncertainty among service users, and generate unnecessary speculation regarding the operational status of key government institutions. Prompt clarification from both management and labour therefore serves the broader public interest.
Nigeria’s export sector continues to attract renewed attention as policymakers pursue strategies aimed at expanding foreign exchange sources beyond petroleum exports. Recent government initiatives have focused on improving export infrastructure, simplifying trade procedures, enhancing product quality standards, and increasing access to international markets for Nigerian businesses.
The NEPC has consistently encouraged exporters to leverage opportunities presented by regional trade agreements, particularly the AfCFTA, which is expected to deepen intra-African trade and create new commercial opportunities for Nigerian enterprises. Stable institutional operations remain essential to achieving these objectives.
Stakeholders across Nigeria’s export ecosystem have welcomed the assurance that the council remains fully functional. Exporters depend on timely guidance, certification support, capacity development, and market intelligence provided by the NEPC to navigate increasingly competitive international markets.
Beyond immediate operational concerns, the episode also highlights the importance of accurate information in public discourse. Government agencies, labour unions, businesses, and media organizations all play critical roles in ensuring that verified information reaches the public, particularly on issues capable of influencing economic confidence.
For Nigeria, whose economic diversification agenda increasingly depends on expanding exports beyond crude oil, maintaining confidence in institutions such as the NEPC remains a strategic priority. Strong collaboration between management and employees contributes to policy continuity, institutional effectiveness, and sustained support for businesses seeking international opportunities.
As both the council and its workforce have now publicly dismissed reports of an impending strike, attention is expected to return to the agency’s core mandate of promoting Nigerian exports, supporting exporters, and contributing to national economic growth through increased non-oil trade.
The reaffirmation of industrial harmony sends a positive signal not only to exporters but also to development partners and investors monitoring Nigeria’s progress toward building a more diversified, resilient, and export-oriented economy. With both management and labour aligned on maintaining stability, the council appears well positioned to continue supporting government efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Sources:
- Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
- News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
- The Punch
- Premium Times
- Vanguard Nigeria
- The Guardian Nigeria
