N50B EEFP: NACCIMA hails FG
By Charles Okonji
Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu, National President of National Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has described the launching of the N50bn Export Expansion Facility Program (EEFP) and Grant Management Portal designed for accessing the Export Development Fund (EDF) as welcome development.
Commending the Government on the initiative, Iya Aliyu called for efficient functioning of the Digital Portal to enable prompt and efficient access of funds under the facilities.
The National President of NACCIMA who is also a member of the Ministerial Steering committee was described the programme as a practical positive step to ensure that MSMEs across the country which is the back bone of the economy access stimulus packages.
She noted that the program was designed to save and create jobs, as concerted efforts continue to help those of them impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic get back on their feet as envisioned under the Economic Sustainability Plan of 2020.
She said, “It was truly significant to note that this was the first time the EDF was being funded since the creation of the NEPC Act. The development is worthy of note and commendable. It is commendable that the Government, in the quest to work with other stakeholders particularly the private sector operators to significantly expand non-oil Export and the pursuit of the Zero Oil Plan.”
She pointed out that if effectively and efficiently pursued, the EDF facility will certainly increase inflow of foreign exchange, saying that it will expand the diversification of the economy.
Iya Aliyu, uged MSMEs to take advantage of the facilities and turn their business around.
She assured that NACCIMA members are being encouraged to tap into the opportunities under the facility, calling on other stakeholders to be part of the initiative, as it was one of the strategic options to pilot Nigeria out of recession.
