NEPC, Sterling Bank Partner to Establish ICT Centre

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has partnered with Sterling Bank to establish an Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre to encourage  competitiveness and enhance sustainability of non-oil exports.

Mr Olusegun Awolowo, chief executive officer of NEPC, gave the indication at the inauguration of the new centre  in Lagos on Monday.

According to him, the centre is a platform for training, information gathering and sharing, awareness creation, networking and market access for exporters.

He said that ICT had far reaching role in supporting modern technological innovations, sustainable development and access to global partners in the market space.

“Entrepreneur with current and useful information is empowered to enhance opportunities, productivity and wide outreach which will impact positively on our non-oil export base,” he said.

Awolowo said that the centre would be replicated in the six regional offices of the council to drive the country’s diversification agenda.

Mr Kayode Lawal, executive director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank, said that the centre would keep exporters abreast on the developments in the ever changing global commodity prices.

“Nigeria is a large exporter of crude oil, but not the largest exporter of agricultural produce which is the next agenda to change,” he said.

Lawal said that export business and banking were interrelated, adding that the two areas were avenues for job creation, innovation and economic growth.