The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has dismissed reports suggesting that its workers are planning an industrial action, describing the claims as false and reaffirming that operations across the council remain uninterrupted.
The council said its staff union, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), NEPC Unit, has also distanced itself from the reports and reiterated its commitment to maintaining industrial harmony.
The clarification followed a joint meeting between the council’s management and union leadership, where both parties rejected online publications alleging that employees were preparing to embark on strike.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Aliu Seidu Sadiq, the council said there was no planned or contemplated industrial action within the organisation.
He described the reports as “false, baseless and misleading,” urging exporters, stakeholders and members of the public to disregard the claims.
According to the statement, the Chairman of the ASCSN, NEPC Unit, Moruf Ogunlana, confirmed that the council continues to enjoy a peaceful working relationship between management and staff.
He stated that neither the union nor its members authorised or were consulted on any proposed strike action.
The union also formally disassociated itself from the online reports and pledged continued collaboration with the management to support the council’s mandate of promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
The council also dismissed allegations concerning the appointment of directors, clarifying that no such appointments had been made.
Instead, NEPC said management would continue to operate within the existing organisational structure while strengthening the capacity of staff across various departments to improve efficiency and service delivery.
According to the council, the approach reflects the commitment of the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, to developing internal talent rather than outsourcing key responsibilities.
Management also rejected allegations of favouritism and nepotism, describing the claims as unfounded.
The statement noted that both management and the workers’ union agreed that staff members are treated fairly regardless of ethnic background or tribe.
The union further commended Ayeni for promoting professionalism, transparency and inclusiveness within the organisation.
Highlighting achievements under the current administration, NEPC said staff development has received significant attention since 2023, with more than 75 per cent of employees participating in professional training programmes.
The council also stated that opportunities for career progression have expanded through the widening of the directorate cadre and the creation of additional advancement pathways for staff.
Among its flagship initiatives, NEPC cited the establishment of the Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC), which has trained more than 500 youths and women in garment and bag production for export.
The council also pointed to Nigeria’s record $6.1 billion non-oil export earnings in 2025, describing it as the highest export value recorded in the council’s history.
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According to NEPC, more than 150 exporters have also benefited from its third-party certification programme covering HACCP, FDA, HALAL and ISO standards, enabling Nigerian businesses to meet international quality requirements and access premium global markets.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining industrial harmony while continuing to work with employees, exporters and other stakeholders to expand Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.
NEPC said it remains focused on supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by strengthening export competitiveness, promoting workforce development and driving sustainable economic growth.
