By Nafisat Makinde
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council’s (NEPC) promotional video claiming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave $270 million to a company, Easy Sales Export, for export trade has sparked widespread outrage.
Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, briefed journalists at the end of the 142nd National Economic Council meeting, discussing trade agreements with Saudi Arabia. According to the Minister, the agreements include the annual export of 200,000 metric tons of red meat and one million tons of soya beans.
The NEPC’s claim contradicts Nigeria’s trade data, which shows no record of any $270 million export to Saudi Arabia by a single company or consortium of companies in 2024. In fact, the country’s total agro-export trade to Saudi Arabia in 2024 is less than $500,000.
Stakeholders have questioned the authenticity of the claim, describing the promo as “totally false, misleading, and mischievous.” They argue that the combined value of the 200,000 metric tons of red meat and one million tons of soya beans would exceed $270 million, making the NEPC’s claim even more questionable.
An investigation into the website of Easy Sales Export revealed no mention of any $270 million transaction or export to Saudi Arabia. The company’s website only mentioned helping a mid-sized manufacturing company expand into Saudi Arabian markets, resulting in a 40% increase in revenue within the first year.
The controversy has sparked calls for accountability among public officials and better oversight in government communications. The NEPC’s actions have raised questions about its alignment with the government’s policies and its role in promoting exports.
The Minister’s briefing highlighted the government’s efforts to boost exports and economic growth, but the NEPC’s promo has raised concerns about the agency’s motives and its role in promoting the government’s agenda. The controversy is likely to lead to further scrutiny of the NEPC’s actions and its relationship with the government. Stakeholders are demanding accountability and transparency in government communications, and the NEPC’s future actions will be closely watched.
