NEPC Warns Exporters Against Documentation Errors, Trade Disputes

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has urged non-oil exporters to ensure proper documentation and conduct pre-shipment inspections to minimise trade disputes and rejection of goods in international markets.

The Executive Director of NEPC, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, advised at a sensitisation workshop on export trade dispute resolution measures in Owerri, Imo State.

Ayeni, represented by the Imo Coordinator of NEPC, Mr Anthony Ajuruchi, said Nigerian exports must move across international markets without disruptions caused by disputes, rejections or avoidable documentation errors.

She stressed the importance of continuous training for exporters to improve their understanding of international trade requirements and protect the competitiveness of Nigerian products.

“Training will help them understand international trade requirements and avoid issues capable of undermining the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the global market,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by NEPC in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), formerly the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and Gojopal Nigeria Limited.

The workshop was themed, “Compliance: Panacea for Non-oil Export Growth”.
Speaking, the Aba Zonal Director of NPERA, Mrs Lilian King-Chibuzor, identified shipment, contract, quality, payment and logistics disputes as some of the major challenges confronting exporters.

She advised exporters to engage independent inspectors, obtain adequate insurance coverage and ensure that their documentation was accurate before shipping their goods.

King-Chibuzor also urged exporters to register with the Cargo Defence Fund to access support services in the event of trade-related disputes.

Similarly, Mr Ferdinand Odey of Gojopal Nigeria Limited highlighted the importance of involving pre-shipment inspection agents in examining cargo before it leaves the country.

He said early inspection helped verify the quality, quantity and condition of goods, thereby reducing the risk of disagreements with foreign buyers.

Some participants commended NEPC and its partners for providing practical guidance on addressing challenges affecting non-oil exports in Imo.