I’ll use agric to raise IGR in 18 months to N5bn per month - Umar
Usman Umar is former Group Head, Regional Operations at Galaxy Backbone plc and currently Chief Executive Officer of Khalifa Organization. In this interview, Usman discussed how agriculture can be fully utilised by state governments and, indeed, the country as a whole to generate huge revenue
YBy Amina Alhassan
ouhavebeensounding so passionate about driving agriculture in Nigeria. What informs your passion?
I can always demonstrate that a new Nigeria is possible. I am committed to turning that corner. We have talked long enough. This is the time for action.
What we do now is go to villages, sort out their needs, then try to ensure the satisfaction of such needs. Wherever we can, we do this on our own; other times, such as the case of government programmes, we become the facilitators.
For example, whenever the central government introduces a new initiative in agriculture, we quickly take it to our people and guide them on how to take benefits from the programme. We are focused on agriculture and how to make it a major and vibrant revenue generator for the country.
You mentioned government programmes. Are you currently collaborating with any on agriculture?
Yes, we are committed to the development of agriculture in Niger State. If given the chance, I can raise the internally generated revenue of Niger State to N5 billion per month in 18 months. Our plan is a multipronged approach anchored on our natural resources as the bedrock of this ambitious plan. First, let me recall what our former CBN governor said during a cultural event held in Lapai Local Government sometime in 2013. He informed the audience that Nigeria was spending about N365 billion on rice importation annually, despite the fact that Nigeria is the world’s 20th largest rice paddy producing country.
He also recalled that in the 1980s, the popular rice brands in Nigeria were Ofada, Bida and Uncle Ben’s. Nigerians then preferred to eat Ofada and Bida rice to Uncle Ben Rice, due to their superior taste and nutritional content. He further pointed out that, if the N365 billion paid for rice importation is spent on Bida rice production, the effect on the economy of Nupeland can be better imagined, given that the Nupe people are traditionally farmers and were known to be highly enterprising and supportive to their kinsmen.
Now, this is the same as N1b per day on the average. We have since taken a very keen interest in how to secure a good percentage of that amount. We have taken concrete steps, and designed and implemented different models, including development and support of out-grower schemes, seeking interventions across the value chain and doing a forward integration to include off-takers.
For example, if the Badeggi rice mill resumes production, it has the capacity to mill 20-30,000 tons of rice twice a year. That’s 60,000 tons conservatively. If you calculate, you will get a very respectable figure. And this is from one mill, and one product.
The Cereals Research Institute in the state confirms unequivocally that a production of at least 50,000 tons of sesame seeds is achievable along the Katcha-Bida corridor. Today’s international market price for sesame seeds is nearly $3,000 per metric ton. Do the maths! We have soya beans, sorghum, Shea, groundnuts and chilli pepper, all in commercial quantities. We will initiate discussions with the World Food Programme who we know procure massive food quantities of these food items. The market is there.
When we harness and integrate all these, we will achieve the initiation of a truly revolutionary agricultural transformation in Niger State. Further, we have gold and several valuable solid minerals. It is amazing how all these low hanging fruits have been overlooked all these years. And frankly, it will not take some huge resources to achieve these. We have an almost permanent work in progress at Baro. We have recently held discussions with the promoters of a recently concluded inland port in Edo state. The blueprint is there. All it requires is commitment. Focus, dedication and committed leadership. N5b is conservative.
You spoke of N5 billion. From what areas would you pluck such a huge amount, considering that even the agriculture sector in the state is not developed?
As mentioned earlier, a significant chunk of this will come from agriculture. However, we will also explore our huge solid mineral potentials. We will explore and exploit our human resources. We will develop sports to enviable levels. Everyone keys into sports. We have a vibrant entertainment industry which requires support. We have some of the most beautiful sceneries around this part of the country. The tourism potential is mind-boggling. Gurara waterfalls can be developed to compare to Niagara. It is very easy only if we set our minds and heart to doing what is right.
Do you already have a blueprint that can be implemented?
We have several blueprints for the various sectors we will be active in. We have access to a comprehensive report put together by the Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum; it is a product of the state peer review mechanism. It is detailed and very revealing. Again, it is amazing how no one, at least in my state (Niger State) has paid attention to this set of wonderfully-puttogether reports to make life more meaningful for the people. Maybe they forgot about it.
There are also the MDGs. I am not sure we are not behind schedule already. All of these will not necessarily be government projects. We will seek out, encourage and channel available entrepreneurs to these areas. We will concession where required. We will get Niger State working. Sadly it has never worked agriculturally or otherwise.
Would this plan work for other states too, or it’s specific to Niger State?
I believe it is one blueprint that can work for any state that wants progress. The business of governance and the business of development of any community involve the same principles all anchored on visionary leadership and commitment. Most states have natural resources that majority of the western world are in dire need of. If we put our acts right and focus on them we will excel as a country. But we need to do so as one entity.
By Ibraheem Hamza Muhammad
The 36th edition of the Kaduna International Trade Fair begins next month. How would you assess the impact of the fair so far on the economy of the North? We have been studying reports of the various committees we set up to review the last 10 years of the fair. We are critically reviewing the successes and challenges of the fair, and are especially making concerted efforts at further achieving set targets.
Security is a major challenge now more than any other in planning a major event like the Kaduna fair. How assuring is the security arrangement?
I agree security is a very challenging and tasking aspect in the successful preparation of a major event, like the Kaduna trade fair, where crowds are expected. But since we left the former Murtala Muhammad Square venue, which was within the city, to the permanent site on the Kaduna-Zaria Road, we have been at relative ease on security fears. But we are not relenting as security is vital to the fair always.
A major objective of the fair is to support young entrepreneurs. How has the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture been faring in this regard?
The KDCCIMA gives young entrepreneurs a 50 per cent reduction in the rate of hiring a pavilion or any space. The chamber has introduced more selling points and has even been assisting them to attend trade fairs abroad.
A major problem confronting these entrepreneurs is funding. Have you been assisting them in any way to access loans?
I am appealing to the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure that entrepreneurs have easy access to loans. The Bank of Agriculture I agree security is a very challenging and tasking aspect in the successful preparation of a major event, like the Kaduna
trade fair, where crowds are expected. But since we left the former Murtala Muhammad Square venue, which was within the city, to the permanent site on the Kaduna-Zaria Road, we have been at relative ease on security fears. But we are not relenting as security is vital to the fair always