See the business you should be doing right now in Nigeria. Leveraging the Ban on Imported Goods in Nigeria: Advice for Farmers
Leveraging the Ban on Imported Goods in Nigeria: Advice for Farmers:
Dear Nigerian Farmers,
According to the CBN in a recent publication: In the part of the Q&A report which asked “Can the 43 Non-Eligble Items access FX at the I&E window” the response was “The status quo remains on the 43 non-eligible items. The items are not permitted to be funded from the I & E window"
The Central Bank of Nigeria reiterated that there have been no changes to the existing policy on the 43 non-eligible items banned from the forex market. This policy was originally introduced during the tenure of Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the CBN. So what does the policy means to the average farmer.
The central bank's decision to encourage local production and conserve foreign reserves aligns perfectly with our goals as farmers. By leveraging this ba/n, we can tap into the potential benefits and drive our farms to new heights. Here's some advice on how we can make the most of this opportunity:
- Identify the banned items: Familiarize yourself with the list of banned items and evaluate if any of them can be produced locally. Look for alternatives that can meet the demands of consumers who previously relied on these imports.
- Form partnerships
- Form partnerships: Collaboration is key. Seek partnerships with fellow farmers, industry associations, and local businesses to pool resources, share knowledge, and collectively meet the increased demand for locally produced goods.
- Build your brand: As you produce high-quality local goods, focus on building a strong brand that resonates with consumers. Highlight the benefits of supporting local farmers and emphasize the superior quality and freshness of your products.
- Engage with the community: Foster strong relationships with consumers, retailers, and local markets. Participate in community events, educate consumers about the benefits of buying local, and establish a loyal customer base.
Remember, this ban on imported goods is not a roadblock but a path to growth and sustainability. By embracing the opportunities it presents, we can transform our farms into thriving enterprises, contribute to the nation's self-reliance, and strengthen our agricultural sector.
Let's leverage the ban on imported goods as a catalyst for change, innovation, and prosperity. Together, we can create a vibrant agricultural ecosystem that benefits both farmers and consumers, while contributing to the economic development of our great nation.
In my next post, I will be providing business plans and ideas on how to leverage on many of the farmaeble items on the list.
Wishing you success in your farming endeavors.
Sincerely,
Adesoji Saka
A Fellow Nigerian Farmer
These are the lists of items.
- Rice
- Cement
- Margarine
- Palm Kernel/Palm oil products/vegetable oils
- Meat and Processed Meat Products
- Vegetables and Processed Vegetable Products
- Poultry – chicken, eggs, Turkey
- Private Airplanes/Jets
- Indian Incense
- Tinned Fish In sauce (Gelsha)/Sardines
- Cold Rolled Steel Sheets
- Galvanized Steel Sheets
- Roofing Sheets
- Wheelbarrows
- Head Pans
- Metal Boxes and Containers
- Enamelware
- Steel Drums
- Steel Pipes
- Wire Rods (deformed and not deformed)
- Iron Rods and ReInforcina Bars
- Wire Mesh
- Steel Nalls
- Security and Razor Wire
- Wood Particle Boards and Panels
- Wood Fiber Boards and Panels
- Plywood Boards and Panels
- Wooden Doors
- Furniture
- Toothpicks
- Glass and Glassware
- Kitchen Utensils
- Tableware
- Tiles – vitrified and ceramic
- Textiles
- Woven Fabrics
- Clothes
- Plastic and Rubber Products, Cellophane Wrappers
- Soap and cosmetics
- Tomatoes/Tomato Pastes
- Euro bond/Foreign Currency Bond/Share Purchases
- Milk
- Maize
This particular circular was first issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2015, which listed the imported goods and services not valid for foreign exchange in our market. While this ban may seem like a challenge, I believe it presents a remarkable opportunity for us, as farmers, to thrive and contribute to the growth of our agricultural sector.
- Embrace innovation: Invest in research and development to enhance your farming practices and improve productivity. Explore new technologies, farming techniques, and value-added processes to differentiate your products and stay competitive.
- Seek government support: Stay informed about government programs, subsidies, and incentives designed to support local farmers. Take advantage of these opportunities to access funding, reduce costs, and receive training on modern agricultural practices.
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