By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Ministry of Commerce and Industry has organised a sensitisation workshop on the One State One Product (OSOP) initiative aimed at promoting the exportation of locally produced goods.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Yusuf Rabiu Jirdede, said the initiative was designed to drive grassroots economic development by identifying, developing and exporting key products through their complete value chains.
Jirdede explained that OSOP would enable states to select and strengthen specific local products with high export potential, citing examples of Kano State focusing on hibiscus, Kaduna on ginger and soybean, while Abia State concentrates on leather and garments.
He noted that such specialised approaches would allow states to build targeted industrial infrastructure and create more opportunities for economic growth.
According to him, supporting local value chains would generate employment opportunities for people in rural and semi-urban communities.
“OSOP serves as a vital operational mechanism for Nigeria’s broader Zero Oil Plan, which seeks to increase foreign exchange earnings through the promotion of 22 key agricultural and non-oil products,” Jirdede said.
The Commissioner added that the initiative would be coordinated by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Federal Ministry of Industry.
He disclosed that the ministry would embark on extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders to identify the product that would be given priority for export promotion in Katsina State.
Our correspondent reports that the workshop was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration Service, Police, trade organisations, farmers’ groups and other stakeholders.
