Group Set To Host Foreign Investors In Agro Equipment Expo
The eurobase Consult group is set to host 10 foreign investors for the Agro Equipment Expo 2024 aimed at boosting Agriculture mechanisation in the country.
The event slated for 16th and 17th April is being in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Bank of Agriculture and a host of other stakeholders.
It would bring together stakeholders in the agriculture sector across the country and 10 foreign investors from Asia, Europe and America.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital the Chairman of eurobase Consult Group Mr. Don Ekesiobi said the group is bringing in investors that have made impact to replicate their achievements in Nigeria.
“In other to boost Sustainable Agro production and Food Security, we carefully selected 10 among our Foreign partners with good global impactful track record that can propel the development of Nigerian Agricultural business sector.”
“They have contributed to executing agro projects in different western and Asian countries that are self-sufficient in food production and have high volume of Exported Agro produce.”
“We are bringing them to Nigeria to replicate same Multi-Billion Dollar agro business in Nigeria We are in Partnership with the federal ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to achieve this objective.”
Mr. Ekesiobi asserted that agri-business is not for the government alone but an inclusive affair, noting that the government needs to create enabling environment for its strife.
“Agricultural business is not just the business of Government, though government is expected to create enabling environment and some form of subsidy for food to affordable to the poor. and that’s why as a private organization when Mr. President declared emergency on food security in Nigeria, which is in line with his 8-point agenda, we strategically align our programs and policies in achieving the set objective which will not only make food available, affordable and accessible but create jobs and reduce poverty among women and youths through Agro mechanization and food Processing.”
CALL FOR ZERO DUTY FOR AGRO MACHINERIES
On the issue of high import duty on agro machineries which leads to inability of farmers access agro machineries, Mr. Ekesiobi called on the Nigerian government to remove import duty on agro equipment for the mean time to help Nigeria attain self-sufficiency in food.
He also called on government to make it easier to clear agro equipment, suggesting that a 48 Hours standing order should be given for clearing.
“What you say about high import duties on equipment in Nigeria is real, I don’t know if it’s supported by any legislation, Nigeria pays the highest duty but my prayers to the government, now that the President has declared emergency on food, he should make it holistic, which includes removal of duty on anything agro equipment at least for some time to enable Nigeria balance very well in Food sufficiency.”
“And not only that make it easier for clearance of good maybe within 48 hours, give agro equipment 48 hours clearance, give them an Accelerated clearing process…but if they insist on collecting this high duty the ambition of attaining food sufficiency may not be realized because no matter the amount you put in equipment will consume it.”
YOUTH TO BENEFIT
For the president of the Nigeria Young Farmers Network Abubakar Musa, the Expo is a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their what they have been doing in the agricultural sector.
He said it’s an opportunity for youth farmers to collaborate with the foreign investors coming in for the Expo.
Musa noted that aside the youth farmers benefiting from the event, other young Nigerians would also as their coming into the country would generate employment.
Oyenike Oyeniyi
