In a strategic move to expand export opportunities for products made in Cross River State, the Cross River Microfinance and Enterprise Development Center (MEDA) recently conducted a high-level meeting with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) in Calabar.
The visit follows NEXIM’s significant participation in the recent International Women’s Day celebration, highlighting the growing partnership between the two organizations.
Director-General of MEDA, Great Ogban, presented the agency’s initiatives aimed at strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector and promoting local production.
He outlined MEDA’s ambitious goal to prepare one thousand made-in-Cross River products for export, aligning with Governor Bassey Otu’s vision of “One MSME per home” and “One Local Government One Product” (OLOP) across the state’s eighteen local government areas.
Head of NEXIM’s Calabar Regional Office, Soni A. Oseghale, welcomed the MEDA delegation and commended the agency’s commitment to MSME development.
Mr. Oseghale provided insights into NEXIM’s operations, emphasizing its focus on the “MASS” sectors: Manufacturing, Agro-processing, Solid minerals, and Services.
He also highlighted key programs such as the Women and Youth Export Facility (WAYEF), Produce, Add Value and Export (PAVE), and the upcoming Women In Export program, designed to support women and youth in the non-oil export value chain.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from NEXIM to provide the necessary support to enhance access to market opportunities for MSMEs in Cross River State.
Patrick Abang, National Accord Newspaper
