Manufacturers and producers of export commodities have been assured of a more conducive operating environment, as the Federal Government will soon come out with a clear and coordinated policy framework to guide and support export business in Nigeria.

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja while meeting with a delegation from the Organised Private Sector Exporters Association.

The minister told the delegation that government was already working on the harmonisation of relevant policies relating to manufacturing and exports in line with its determination to move the country from a mono-economy to a diversified economy.

“Our policy will be clear and coordinated. You will have certainty, clarity and predictability. You will have clarity on government policies as government is determined to support manufacturing and increase export,” he said.

Senator Udoma pointed out that to move the economy in the desired direction, diversification must be on all relevant facets of production, to increase local production, boost export revenue and create more jobs. He said that is why government is now paying more attention to agriculture, solid minerals and the manufacturing sectors.

The minister assured the Association that government, through the ministry, will continue to engage and collaborate more with the group to support export and production activities in the country and also promote the course of the association going forward.

Secretary General of the Association, Jaiyeola Olarenwaju, had told the Minister that there was need to harmonise and give effect to policies of government particularly as it affects exporters.

He applauded government’s move towards diversify the economy and pointed out that such effort will require a firm partnership with the organised private sector for meaningful results.

The association, he explained, was in the ministry to share with government the opportunities and challenges facing the economy and exporters, since the present economic situation requires stronger collaboration.

Olarewaju, then advised government to support the manufacturing sector, minimise import, diversify the economy, increase production as well as review the present CBN restriction and utilisation of foreign exchange.

The group wants government to restore the Exports Grant Expansion Policy and also clear the backlog of money owed the association.

•Photo shows Udo Udoma.

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