The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has assured the public that reports claiming its workers are planning to embark on a strike are false and should be ignored. The Council and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), NEPC Unit, jointly stated that there is no disagreement between management and staff that would lead to industrial action.
The clarification came after a meeting between the Council’s management and the leadership of the workers’ union. During the meeting, both sides confirmed that the organisation continues to enjoy a peaceful working relationship and that there are no plans for any strike.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Aliu Seidu Sadiq, the reports circulating online about an impending strike are completely baseless. The Council urged members of the public not to believe or spread the misleading information.
The Chairman of the ASCSN, NEPC Unit, Comrade Moruf Ogunlana, also rejected the reports. He explained that the union was never consulted about any strike action and has no involvement in the claims being shared online. He added that the union remains committed to working closely with the management to maintain the stable relationship that has existed within the Council.
The NEPC also addressed reports suggesting that new directors had been appointed within the organisation. Management clarified that no such appointments have been made and that the Council is continuing to operate under its existing structure. Instead of making new appointments, the organisation said it is focused on improving the skills and performance of its workforce through continuous training and professional development.
The Council highlighted that under the leadership of its Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, staff have benefited from improved career opportunities. According to the management, the expansion of the directorate structure has created more opportunities for employees to advance in their careers.
Staff welfare has also received attention in recent years. The Council revealed that more than 75 percent of its workforce has participated in professional training programmes since 2023. These training initiatives are designed to improve staff competence and prepare employees for the changing demands of international trade and export promotion.
Beyond internal staff development, the NEPC said it has continued to invest in programmes that support economic growth. One of such initiatives is the Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC), which has trained more than 500 youths and women in garment and bag production for export markets. The programme aims to equip participants with practical skills that can create jobs and boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
The Council and the workers’ union also dismissed allegations of favouritism and nepotism within the organisation. The union described the claims as unfounded, insisting that the current leadership has treated staff fairly and professionally while promoting an inclusive work environment.
NEPC further pointed to its recent achievements, including Nigeria’s record non-oil export value of $6.1 billion in 2025. It credited this milestone to various export promotion initiatives that support the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.
The Council also noted that it has helped more than 150 exporters obtain internationally recognised certifications, including HACCP, FDA, HALAL and ISO standards. These certifications have made it easier for Nigerian businesses to access global markets and compete internationally.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful labour relations, the NEPC said it will continue working with employees and stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil export sector while urging the public to disregard false reports of any planned strike.
