National Sustainable Ginger Platform for Nigerian ginger sector

5 public and private-sector parties are now working together in the transition to a sustainable ginger sector in Nigeria. They launched the National Sustainable Ginger Platform (NSGP) during a conference on sustainable ginger in Nigeria, set up by CBI.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) hosted the conference. “The main purpose of this platform is to bring together stakeholders to develop a joint vision for the ginger sector transition,” says Mr Olusegun Awolowo, Executive Director/CEO of the NEPC.

Public and private cooperation

The 5 parties which launched the NSGP include:

• CBI; 
• GIZ/NICOP;
• Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC);
• Standard Organisation Nigeria (SON); and
• The National Ginger Association Nigeria (NGAN). 

These parties will turn the outcomes of the conference into a strategy for the NSGP. They are also partners in a new CBI project. For this project, they signed a Memorandum Of Understanding.

CBI project supports Nigerian ginger sector

Nigerian ginger is among the best in the world. And it has the potential to add more value and expand its markets. To help the Nigerian ginger sector further, CBI has a new project that supports the transition to a sustainable and high-quality ginger sector in Nigeria. Ms Louke Koopmans, Senior Programme Manager at CBI explains, “Added value can be achieved by improving quality, sustainability certification, organic and refined processing.”

The project involves:

• Market development. This will help Nigerian ginger SMEs become competitive, add value and get market access.
• Public-private dialogue. This will help with effective coordination in the sector through the NSGP.
• Service improvement to help create a functioning service delivery model for the ginger export sector.

Mrs Pauline Döll, Managing Director at CBI, is pleased with the project. She says, “I am very pleased that we have come to an agreement with all the partners. Small and medium-sized entrepreneurs are very important for the national economy. They are essential for international competitiveness and innovation. We can now work together to support change towards a sustainable ginger sector in Nigeria.”