FG launches export skills centre, eyes $422m fashion e-commerce market

• Published On: 21 October 2024 at 12:52

The Federal Government has formally opened the Export Skills Acquisition Centre in Apapa, Lagos, with the purpose of tapping into Nigeria's rapidly growing fashion e-commerce business, which is expected to reach $422.8 million by 2024.

The effort, led by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, seeks to boost non-oil exports and strengthen Nigeria's position in global markets.

Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, made the announcement on Saturday using her official X (previously Twitter) account, emphasising the market's development potential and the government's commitment to diversifying the economy.

She emphasised how the ESAC will assist Nigeria in capitalising on prospects in Africa's $31 billion fashion industry.

The initiative's goal is to provide youth and women with innovative skills in bag-making, accessories, product creation, quality control, and international trade, resulting in a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian exporters.

"Proud to open the @OfficialNEPC Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC) in Apapa, Lagos!" This represents a major changer for Nigeria's export economy. The Centre aims to equip Nigerian youth and women with innovative skills in bag-making and accessories, preparing them for opportunities in Africa's $31 billion fashion industry. "We're building the next generation of Nigerian exporters," the tweet stated.

"It went on to say, "Together, we're creating pathways to global markets and economic prosperity." The future of Nigerian-made products is bright."

The centre is expected to promote economic inclusion and employment creation, particularly among women and young people, who are critical to long-term development and national progress.

The Minister's tweet detailed the major goals of the newly established Export Skills Acquisition Centre, highlighting its dedication to empowering adolescents and women through focused skill acquisition.

This project is consistent with the present administration's aims of developing entrepreneurship and promoting non-oil exports. The ESAC's goal is to build a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian exporters by providing specialised training in areas such as product creation, quality control, and international trade.