Abuja: The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mrs Nonye Ayeni, has urged members of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organisation (TPO) to seek alternate funding for its activities. Ayeni made this appeal through a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications at NEPC, Mr Aliu Sadiq.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ayeni addressed the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network held in Dakar, Senegal. Serving as the head of the secretariat, she emphasized the insufficiency of annual member subscriptions in carrying out the network’s core activities. Ayeni called for the establishment of a special committee to collaborate with the Technical Committee on Financial Affairs and Resource Mobilisation to identify sustainable funding sources.
Ayeni encouraged the members to remain proactive and committed to the organisation’s objectives and mandate. She acknowledged the network’s achievements and urged continued dedication to its activities, which have shown impact in promoting trade and regional integration in West Africa.
The organisation was established to facilitate trade and regional integration. The 6th AGM, hosted by Senegal, brought together CEOs of TPOs from 11 ECOWAS member states, including Nigeria. The meeting was facilitated by the ECOWAS Commission, with participation from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) represented by Mr Robert Akinde. The International Trade Centre (ITC) also participated virtually, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the network’s operational efficiency.
The AGM concluded with the re-election of Dr Edward Sandy from Sierra Leone as President and Dr. Kojo Kwoateng from Ghana as Vice President for another year.