Nigerian Government promises continued Favourable Environment for Agriculture Development

The Federal Government has said it will continue to create a favourable environment for the development of agriculture and the commodity sector.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Evelyn Ngige, stated this at the official launch of 11 National Commodity Associations of Nigeria in Abuja.

Ngige noted that the move became necessary due to the non-sustainability of the oil sector which opened the need for the government to look towards agriculture to diversify the economy.

She said, “Agriculture is the new oil and we must work towards it in line with the ministry’s mandate to promote the non-oil sector. Nigeria is highly ranked in the global commodity market, so the government is removing all roadblocks hindering the development of the sector.”

On his part, President of the National Bambara Nut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association, one of the inaugurated commodity associations, HRM Igwe M.C. Aniagu, noted that his association would achieve about two to three million metric tonnes of Bambara Nut output in the next harvest season.

Speaking on the importance of the nut, he said “Bambara Nut is a foodstuff that is high in protein, carbohydrate, fibre and other numerous mineral contents that nature has established to ensure good healthy living for mankind. As the national president of the association, I want to assure all stakeholders that we shall ensure the actualisation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s first point agenda of agriculture for all Nigerians and also aid in the solution to end world hunger,” Aniagu added.

Furthermore, he pointed out that Bambara holds the solution to worldwide hunger, urging the federal government to maximise the potentials of Bambara nut production, processing and marketing across the globe.

Meanwhile, other commodity groups inaugurated are Pepper, Timber, Ogbono, Fish, Locust Beans, Rubber, Yam, Onion and Rice Producers associations.

Agro Nigeria