TOWARDS TRANSFORMING THE AGRIC ECTOR
About two months ago Nigeria witnessed the launching of the Agribusiness Inter-Ministerial (AIM) Working Group. And also, the inaugural of the Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG). There are urgent needs for them to work together. Also commendation goes to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. The All Progressives Congress will have to accelerate agricultural business, transform it and encourage foreign investors to invest in agriculture which will aid the government effort in transforming the sector.
The Nigeria Agribusiness Group needs to develop a national agricultural investment business plans that will lead to agricultural business and contribute to the lives of the people. Look at way to create jobs which will lift millions of smallholder farmers and households out of poverty by transforming productive capacities. Over the years our agriculture had not been developed and transformed to attract the youths. They see agriculture as a dirty business meant for the poor and aged people in the villages and communities. Therefore the private sector should be encouraged to transform the agricultural sector. The AIM working group must be equipped on agribusiness investment facilitation. They must be committed to continue to work with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, work directly with the state governments to strengthen the private sector response and engagement in agriculture business. I also use this great opportunity to congratulate the new Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who I trust will continue to guide the agricultural sector to contribute to agricultural business development for the benefit of the people. Michael Oke, maof2020@gmail.com