NEPC debunks reports of planned staff strike

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has refuted misinformation circulating in some quarters regarding an alleged planned strike action by its staff.

Following a joint meeting with the leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), NEPC Management urged the exporting community and the general public to disregard any information suggesting that the Council has gone on strike.

According to a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Aliu Seidu Sadiq, noted that “the purported strike action is false, baseless, and should be disregarded by the general public.

The Statement disclosed that the Union Chairman, Comrade Moruf Ogunlana, reaffirmed that the Council continues to enjoy industrial harmony, adding that neither the Union nor its members were consulted on any purported strike call as alleged.

In the statement, the Union Chairman dissociated the Union from any report on strike, pledging continued cooperation with Management.

“On alleged appointment of Directors, Management clarified that there was no appointment of Directors to the Council. Under the leadership of Nonye Ayeni, the Council has enhanced opportunities for staff growth by widening the Directorate cadre and creating pathways for advancement across all cadres.

“Staff welfare has equally received unprecedented attention, with over 75% of NEPC personnel trained in various professional areas since 2023.

The Executive Director/CEO also introduced transformative, ecosystem‑shaping projects, including the Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC), which has trained more than 500 youths and women in garment and bag production for export”.

The statement explained that both “Management and the Union jointly debunked allegations of favouritism and nepotism, describing them as unfounded and inconsistent with the reality within the Council.

“Suffice it to say that since her appointment in 2023, the Council has recorded significant progress. Within a short period, Nigeria achieved a record non‑oil export value of $6.1 billion in 2025, the highest since the inception of the Council—an accomplishment driven by initiatives aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Additionally, NEPC under the leadership of Ayeni implemented a robust third‑party certification programme—covering HACCP, FDA, HALAL and ISO standards—supporting over 150 exporters to obtain globally recognised certifications and access niche international markets seamlessly.

“We therefore urge the public to disregard the misleading online reports as Management and the entire staff of the Council reiterate its commitment to work harmoniously with all relevant stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s non‑oil export agenda in line with the Renewed Hope vision of the Federal Government”, the statement noted.