Sterling Bank, NEPC Partner On Agric Exports
Sterling Bank Plc has taken another giant stride towards expanding its investment profile across the agriculture value chain in the country.
With eyes on driving the export of Nigeria’s agricultural products, the Bank has struck a thriving partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), as part of its resolve to support for the Federal Government’s economic diversification programme.
Already, the Bank has powered the Information Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory of the NEPC’s South West Regional office in line with
existing terms of the partnership agreement. The partnership provides for a 24-hour internet services for the staff and entrepreneurs exporting products outside the country.
At the ICT laboratory launch in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s Executive Director, Mr. Kayode Lawal said the collaboration with the Council will be sustained beyond the launch, assuring that the Bank would continue to support NEPC and exporters in the country in a bid to
effectively drive exports of products from the country as a major source of revenue.
Lawal said, given the closely related nature of agriculture and exports in the country, the Bank is working aggressively to drive agricultural and export initiatives aimed at creating and generating employment for the country’s teeming population.
He said considerable export of made-in- Nigeria goods remains the most viable option for the country if it must effectively assume its productive role as the largest economy as well as the largest crude oil exporter in the African continent.
Mr Lawal said Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in terms of exporting agricultural and other products besides oil if we are to realise our dream of ranking among the world’s 20 best economies by year 2020.
Speaking earlier, the NEPC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo commended Sterling Bank for the initiative, noting that the partnership would produce the synergy required to grow the agric and export sub-sectors of the economy.
He said though the council currently has six regional offices across the country, plans were on to float one smart office in each state of the federation as part of efforts to efficiently drive export businesses.
Mr Awolowo hinted that the Council was already working hands in gloves with the Bank and expressed the hope that “Sterling Bank will prove to be the number one export bank in the country.”