NEPC, Union Dismiss Strike Rumours, Reaffirm Workplace Harmony

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has dismissed reports circulating on some online media platforms alleging that its staff are planning to embark on a strike.

Following a joint meeting with the leadership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), NEPC Unit, the Council’s Management assured the exporting community and the general public that there is no planned or contemplated industrial action within the organisation.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Aliu Seidu Sadiq, the Council described the reported strike as false, baseless and misleading, urging the public to disregard the claims.
According to the statement, the ASCSN Unit Chairman, Comrade Moruf Ogunlana, reaffirmed that the Council continues to enjoy industrial harmony, stressing that neither the Union nor its members were consulted on any alleged strike action.
The Union Chairman also distanced the Union from the online reports and pledged continued cooperation with the Management.
Addressing reports on the alleged appointment of Directors, the Management clarified that no such appointments had been made. It explained that the Council would continue to rely on its existing organisational structure and personnel while strengthening staff capacity and enhancing their professional skills to support efficient service delivery.
The Council noted that under the leadership of the Executive Director/CEO, opportunities for career advancement have expanded through the widening of the Directorate cadre, creating pathways for growth across all staff levels.
Management further stated that staff welfare has received significant attention, with more than 75 per cent of NEPC personnel benefiting from professional training programmes since 2023.
It also highlighted the introduction of transformative initiatives such as the Export Skills Acquisition Centre (ESAC), which has trained over 500 youths and women in garment and bag production for export.
On allegations of favouritism and nepotism, both the Management and the Union jointly rejected the claims, describing them as unfounded and inconsistent with the realities within the Council. The Union maintained that the Executive Director/CEO, Mrs. Ayeni, has consistently demonstrated fairness, professionalism and inclusiveness in her dealings with all employees, irrespective of tribe or background.
The statement added that since her appointment in 2023, the Council has recorded notable achievements, including Nigeria’s highest-ever non-oil export value of $6.1 billion in 2025. It attributed the milestone to initiatives aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Council also disclosed that it has implemented a comprehensive third-party certification programme covering HACCP, FDA, HALAL and ISO standards, enabling more than 150 exporters to obtain internationally recognised certifications and gain easier access to global niche markets.
NEPC therefore urged the public to ignore the misleading reports, reaffirming that both Management and staff remain committed to working harmoniously with all stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda in line with the Renewed Hope vision of the Federal Government.