ABX World Partners Arik Air, SAHCOL for Agro-allied Exports from Nigeria
ABX World, an EU certified (EUC) cargo agent, recently signed agreement with Arik Air and Skyway Aviation Grand Handling Company (SAHCOL) as cargo airline and process handling company for its export business.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Captain John Okakpu said Nigeria has immense agricultural potential, even as only 40 per cent of her 84 million hectares of arable land is cultivated, plus 263 billion cubic meters of water - (having two of the largest rivers in Africa).
He said the company, having secured the certification of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) as an “Authorised Cargo Agent”, is set for an unrivalled speedy export of agro-allied produces, especially perishable items such as vegetables and fruits.
“The stability and sustainability of the world economy have been and still depend on agriculture, because agriculture is the major source of survival for man, animals and the industrial sectors through the provision of food and raw materials according to STAN in 2000.
In other words, agriculture is coming back as the leading contributor to the economy; hence oil and gas sector is seriously facing funding crisis,” he told journalists.
Okakpu said Nigeria has the required manpower to support agricultural expansion, noting that with an estimated 80 million farmers, Nigeria can cultivate enough food for its people and feed the world.
He added that, ABX World believes tapping into the sector can only be sustainable when the private sector expertise is allowed to thrive
He said: “There is a need to engage the private sector, investors, local banks and International Financial Institutions with the view of connecting (Supply chain) the vast investment opportuni- ties of Nigeria Agriculture with local and international investors.
Putting together all sectors in Nigeria especially Agriculture will surpass the $128.00 per barrel of crude oil needed to balance the budget. That is where most Nigerians and world misunderstood General Muhammad Buhari (GMB), the newly President-elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when he was credited for saying the he will stabilize the prize of crude oil. Yes, there are more to it: agriculture is not just farming but involves the supply chain management as a critical sub-sector.”
On the choice of Arik Air as cargo airline partner, he said that as Nigeria’s leading commercial airline, the airline was the first to operate a fleet of 26 state-of-the arts regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft.
On the expected impact of the new trend, he said the whole of agro-allied business ABX Worl can even generate over 20 million jobs for the teeming youths in the country in the areas of farming, harvesting, packaging, branding, and other exports gamut.
“The challenges we have as a nation, of course, present opportunities that could be tapped into for value addition and profitability. How can these be communicated to the agile youth-farmers, logistics companies, investors, and foreigners who have interest in Nigeria’s agro-produce? That is the basis for ABX World’s interest to educate the youths that all of us cannot live in the city. You can make impact, create wealth and live a fulfilled life while residing in the rural areas and home towns,” he said.
As part of preparations for the commencement of the program, ABX World had engaged competent and IATA certified consultants for refresher courses for the company’s staff.