It has been established that the Ogun State Agro-cargo Airport and Special Agro-processing Zone (SAPZ) would make exportation easier for business owners, many of whom have been negatively affected by congestion at the Lagos port.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola made this known in Abeokuta at a workshop on the establishment of Domestic Export Warehouse (DEW) in Ogun State themed: "Providing Solutions to Supply Chain Constraints in non-oil exports".

Aikulola, who doubles as the Chairman, State Committee on Export Promotion, added that the projects would open up the State for more investments, boost exports and further strengthen the State's position as Nigeria's industrial hub as well as address supply chain constraints in the export of non-oil products, calling on exporters to key into opportunities derivable in them.

According to the Permanent Secretary, “the Ogun State Agro-cargo Airport currently constructed by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration, billed for inauguration before the end of the year and the Special Agro-processing Zone (SAPZ) around the airport will promote value addition and help businesses make increased profit and impact from the exportation of processed goods”.

In her welcome address, Trade Advisor, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Abeokuta Smart Office, Mrs. Fransisca Ordega said the DEW project was initiated by the Council to end the unpalatable experiences of moving export goods to various ports, lauding the State government for the Agro-cargo airport, which she said was a testament to the State's drive to accelerate export activities.

Speaking on the theme, Assistant Director, Product Department, NEPC, Mr. Afolabi Bello described the DEW project as a one-stop facility that streamlines exportation process and enables exporters to do product aggregation, packaging, labeling, pre-shipment inspection, fumigation, documentation, mandatory certification and other export activities.

Two of the participants, Titilayo Oladunwo and Sarafat Adekunle lauded NEPC for the workshop and called on stakeholders for greater participation, towards enhancing exportation for improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP).