By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Jigawa State Coordinating Office, has commenced a two-day sensitisation programme aimed at exposing women entrepreneurs to export business opportunities and international market access.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Jigawa Coordinating Office, Alhaji Abdulkadir Aliyu, said the programme was designed to build the capacity of women exporters and equip them with access to business support services, trade networks and financing opportunities.
He explained that the initiative seeks to encourage women’s participation in digital trade and value-added export sectors, describing the gathering as a firm commitment to empowering women and strengthening the state’s local economy.
“This programme is more than just an event; it reflects our commitment to expanding the horizons of businesses owned and led by women in Jigawa State,” Aliyu said. He noted that Jigawa women have shown remarkable resilience and entrepreneurship, particularly in trade, agriculture and manufacturing, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.
According to him, the sensitisation programme aligns with the state government’s vision of inclusive economic development, support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and women’s economic inclusion.
In her remarks, a volunteer with the non-governmental organisation ImpactHer, Hauwa Isa Muhammad, said the organisation is partnering with NEPC to equip women with digital marketing skills needed to access global markets. She disclosed that ImpactHer is supporting 30 women entrepreneurs in Jigawa to digitise their businesses.
“As part of our support, we will award a grant of $500 to two participants who demonstrate seriousness and readiness to scale their businesses to the global level,” she said.
Also speaking, the President of the Jigawa State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Mukhtar Birniwa, commended NEPC and ImpactHer for their initiative, noting that such interventions would boost the economic capacity of women and contribute to national economic growth.
He reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to partnering with relevant stakeholders to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial capacity across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Hauwa Umar expressed appreciation to NEPC and ImpactHer for the training, pledging that participants would share the knowledge gained with other women groups who could not attend the programme.
Radio Nigeria reports that the two-day sensitisation programme for women entrepreneurs was held on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, 2025, in Jigawa State.
