Nigeria will be an Agric Powerhouse by 2026 – EU

An official of European Union, John Clarke, has projected Nigeria to be an agricultural powerhouse in 10 years time with the entrepreneurial spirit of the people and its abundant land.

Clarke, who is the Director, International and Bilateral Relations of the EU, made the projection at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Investment Conference in Lagos.

The conference was part of the activities marking the 30th Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the chamber slated for November 4 to 13.

Clarke said: “Positive policies geared toward attracting investment into the agricultural sector will make the projection a reality.”

He said that local and foreign investments in the sector would create a stable alternative to the pattern of economic migration.

He said: “Sadly, we see so many young people leaving the country; with the investment, Nigeria can produce foods for its own budding population, earn export through regional and global trade.

“The EU is a fervent believer in the future of Nigeria. You are a great country with huge potential, and we will continue to contribute to your future economic growth.”

He said that the country’s potential would be enhanced through positive and consistent policies, creation of enabling business environment and bridging links between manufacturers and farmers.

Clarke said that improved extension services and movement to mechanised farming from subsistence farming would also help the country.

According to him, EU is the world’s largest agricultural exporter and importer, largest service provider, and the largest foreign direct investor globally.

He said: “We are the biggest investor in Nigeria today, as well as Nigeria’s first trading partner.

“Many European countries want to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural and food sector.

“For that investment to happen, we need strong agricultural policies, transparency, safety, predictability, and strong business friendly climate in the country.”

The EU chief said that potential investors were concerned about currency restrictions, imposition of import ban on various products and Nigeria’s reluctance to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement with Europe.

He then urged the Federal Government to ratify the EPA to accelerate economic growth and wider penetration into the global markets.

Nigeria To Emerge Africa’s Economic Hub In 2026- Onu

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has said the commitment of President Muhammadu Bu­hari towards diversifying the nation’s economy will make Nigeria an economic hub of the continent in the next 10 years.

Playing host to the Manag­ing Director of United Na­tions Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Pro­gramme Development and Technical Cooperation Divi­sion, Philippe Scholtes, in Abu­ja at the weekend, the minister said the ministry was commit­ted to use science and technol­ogy to save the nation by grow­ing its economy.

Onu thanked UNIDO for its contributions globally and in Nigeria with the partnership to grow energy and agro-business.

He appealed to UNIDO to increase its efforts as well to­wards boosting agriculture to ensure food security in the country.

The minister specified that UNIDO’s involvement in food protection will not only lift farmers out of poverty but will tame rural-urban migration.

“We will be very happy if you could add food security because you will touch more persons and would be able to lift more persons out of pov­erty in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Scholtes told the minister that UNIDO has ear­marked $2.6 billion for the development of Small Hydro Power (SHP) plants in Nige­ria in line with its mandate to promote, and accelerate inclu­sive and sustainable industrial development in developing countries.

“We obtained funding for $2.6 billion to help us dem­onstrate the small scale hydro power to powerhouse and fac­tories in places that have not been reached by electricity.

“This project funded by Global Environment Facility funds is meant to help coun­tries address environment is­sues that can benefit the global communities,” the UNIDO boss stated.

Credit: Sun