Maize Association Targets 1million jobs through Private Public Partnership Model

The Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), says it is adopting the Private Public Partnership Model for increased production and marketing of produce with a target of creating one million jobs across the country.

The National President of the Association Dr. Abubakar Bello stated this at the official flag-off of the 2023 Wet Season Maize Farming and input distribution in Katsina state, North West Nigeria.

Dr. Bello in his opening remark the association’s hopes that through their PPP model approach would be able to contribute its quarter to attaining food and eradicating youth restiveness amongst others.

“It lies within our thinking to make our contribution for building robust economy all as outlined in the policy advisory council report of this administration, eradication of youth restiveness, which include the ugly trend of kidnapping for ransom, banditry and other social vices affecting the country, our business model anchored on the PPP MODEL intends among other things to ensure creation of 1 million jobs through the regional agricultural commodity exchanges”.

He said “our contribution to the attainment of prosperous and food secured Nigeria for all. It lies within our genuine desire to ensure we continue to contribute our quota to the overall economic development of Nigeria, in view of this we dedicated and determined our willingness to partner with our various business associates and agreed to come up with this PPP business model which we are flagging off here today”.

According to Bello, the association is ready and willing to take advantage of and explore government policies for the benefit of its members and the country at large.

“To meet the current government policy on reviving agriculture through establishment of Agricultural commodity board, MAAN as responsible association we have repositioned ourselves to ensure the full benefit on commodity exchange, warehousing, produce processing & marketing are fully exploited to the benefit of our people” .

While reeling out MAAN’s achievements so far, Dr. Bello said the association has employed 360 young tractor operators and acquired machines for members use.

“Enhanced mechanization and capacity building in agronomic practices and the Employment of 360 youths as tractor operators under the MAAN mechanization program, The association over time acquired important tools for members use nationwide to boost production, in view of this, MAAN currently has at its disposal 92 tractors, 55 plough discs, 21 ridger, 54 Harrows, 21 planters, 10 boom sprayers, and 24 tipping trailers” .

He appreciated other commodity associations and other relevant stakeholders for their support for the association over the years.

The Katsina state Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor Alhaji Farouk Jobe, said it is a step in the right direction for the maize association to have chosen to work on the entire Maize value chain.

Jobe noted that what the maize association is doing is in line with the state’s agenda to transform agriculture in the state.

He urged beneficiaries of the input distribution by the association to utilize the inputs for their benefit and that of the society.

“I appeal to those who would be the beneficiary of this programme to utilize the opportunity given to them, so I appeal to them to see it as an exceptional opportunity to expand their business”.

He added that the Katsina state government is ready and willing to partner relevant stakeholders.