NEPC targets export inclusion with free certificates for Kano PLWDs

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has provided 10 free export certificates to clusters of Persons Living With Disabilities in Kano, as part of efforts to bring more people with disabilities into Nigeria’s non-oil export market.

The intervention was announced during an export-focused training organised for 50 PLWDs in Kano, where participants received guidance on export procedures, international market opportunities and government support programmes.

The NEPC North-West Zonal Coordinator, Hajiya Amina Abdulmalik, said the initiative was aimed at addressing some of the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from taking their businesses beyond the domestic market.

According to her, the beneficiaries would also receive support to package their products in line with international standards.

“Without an NEPC certificate, there is no way your products can get out of the country. So we are giving 10 certificates to clusters of persons with disabilities as encouragement, and to help package their products to meet international standards,” she said.

Abdulmalik said the disability community had considerable economic potential, noting that beneficiaries were involved in areas including agro-processing, crafts, fashion, ICT and creative services.

She described inclusion in the export sector as an economic necessity rather than an act of charity.

“Inclusion is not charity, it is strategy. An inclusive export sector is a stronger export sector. It creates jobs, earns foreign exchange, and builds a Nigeria where no one is left behind,” Abdulmalik said.

The National President of the Association of People with Disabilities Applicants and Coordinator of the Disability Project Initiative, Saifullahi Mukhtar Sadiq, said the programme could help change how persons with disabilities are viewed in society.

Sadiq said PLWDs were often excluded from economic opportunities, adding that the training had given participants an opportunity to develop businesses capable of contributing to the economy.

“Most of the time, people do not even care to think of us. But NEPC has carried us along and is now training 50 of our members,” he said.

He added, “This intervention will change the narrative that persons with disabilities are only subjects of charity or street beggars. We will now participate in Nigeria’s economic growth.”

The Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture also pledged to support the beneficiaries as they seek to formalise and expand their businesses.

Representing the chamber, Tijjani Abdullahi Sarki said KACCIMA would help connect the participants with banks, regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC and SON, and international business networks.

“Whenever persons with disabilities approach KACCIMA, we are ready to give them all necessary assistance, from enlightenment to processing of documents,” Sarki said.

He said the initiative would help create pathways for persons with disabilities to gain greater access to the organised private sector and participate more actively in Nigeria’s economic activities.