By Chigozie Chukwuleta
As the Nigerian Export Promotion Council continues it’s efforts to make ease a culture in the exporting industry, the Executive Director/CEO, Dr Ezra Yakusak has given insight on the current enlightenment campaign on Digitization of Claims Submission and Processing Using the Web Portal Application for the Export Expansion Grant.
Speaking at a one day training workshop for exporters and intending exporters in Anambra state, held at the Conference Hall of King David Hotel, Awka, Dr Yakusak said that the program is part of the Council’s resolve to ensure that the exporting community is well educated and informed of developments revolving around the Scheme.
He stated that it is the very key in creating awareness and updating exporters, stakeholders, and practitioners in the non-oil export value chain on key developments in the administration of the EEG Scheme.
The Director who was represented by the Assistant Director in the Support Development and Incentive Department, Mr Idongesit Essien said that the online interface which had successfully phased out bulk paper submissions enables beneficiaries of the Scheme to submit their applications including baseline data and export claims documents at their convenience.
“With the Web Portal, beneficiaries have the liberty to track the progress and status of their submission at their convenience”,
“The application had also saved the Council which doubles as the Secretariat of the Scheme some huge costs associated with handling paper submissions”,
“This initiative had been lauded in various quarters as very commendable and timely, however the Council sees the need for increased awareness and enlightenment of beneficiaries and key stakeholders on the Scheme”,
“This had become very necessary following numerous inquiries received in recent times, which points to the knowledge gap of beneficiaries on how to effectively utilize the platform for desired results”, he explained
Speaking on the Export Expansion Grant Scheme, the Executive Director explained it is a post-shipment incentive geared toward boosting the volume and value of non-oil exports by offering some form of assistance to exporters who had duly repatriated the proceeds of their export business.
“The Scheme which dates back to 1986 with the promulgation of the Incentives & Miscellaneous Provisions Act had undergone several reviews aimed at continuous improvement to re-position it for enhanced performance, sustainability, and affordability”,
“Recent developments revolved around the introduction of the Web Portal Application, a platform designed and targeted at simplifying and streamlining the implementation procedures/processes for effective service delivery to our esteemed exporters, stakeholders, and most importantly, beneficiaries of the Scheme”.
Dr Yakusak emphasized that the Council is committed to delivering on the objective of the scheme at all times believing that the youth massive participation at the event is not a coincidence as the audience was carefully selected to suit the purpose.
He encouraged participants to pay attention as the facilitators guide them through the practical steps on how to navigate the portal for the desired outcome.
Papers on Overview of Export Expansion Grant Scheme and Capturing of Export Expansion Grant Baseline Data’ were presented by Mr Idongesit Essien and Mr Anderson Wilkie respectively.
Mr Joseph Godfrey of the Traynetex Consults spoke on Integrating ICT in Everyday Business.
