The Federal Government has commended the Nigerian State Governors for their commitment to the doctrine of change spearheaded by the President Muhammadu Buhari in development of Agric-value chain and overall diversification of the economy by the administration.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh stated this while delivering the keynote address at the UK-Nigeria Agritech Trade and Investment Mission holding at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in the United Kingdom.
Ogbeh who disclosed that a new Nigeria was being built by President Muhammadu Buhari noted that the presence of some of the State Governors was a clear demonstration of their commitment to diversifying the economies of their states.
“A new Nigeria is being built. This New Nigeria is driven by a desire to do things differently- to be better and faster. President Muhammadu Buhari is focused on an all inclusive programmes and policies that take cognizance of diverse interest. To promote growth and include all- both the rich, young and old in productive enterprise.”
“The Governors are here ( at the event) not because they don’t have what to do, but because they belief in the doctrine of change spearheaded by President Muhammadu Buhari. They are here (UK-Nigeria Agrictech Summit) because they are serious about diversification of the economies of their states. ”
The Minister urged British Government and other investors to take advantage of the opportunities in agric-value chain as well as enabling environment created by President Muhammadu Buhari lead administration to invest in Nigeria.
“ It is time for investors in the UK to invest in Nigeria. Because the feeling is that you have been rather slow and lay back in investing in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The ease of doing business in Nigeria has not been an issue under President Muhammad Buhari, because we have proved ourselves to be very competitive. “
The minister who explained that President Muhammadu Buhari lead administration is working hard to ensure that Nigeria’s growing population is productive urged United kingdom to partner with Nigeria’s in building a new future for Nigerians.
“We have the soil. We have the water. We have the will. This is why our Governors are here. We want you to partner with us in building a better future for our citizens.”
The Minister who said that despite the ease of doing business in Nigeria, further steps were being taken to guarantee investment in Nigeria. He said Nigeria was ready to meet international best practice and standards in the agric value –chain.
The 3-day event includes meeting with African Business Council in the House of Commons, visits to sites focusing on animal health and targeting at states with livestock projects as well as the main summits were various sessions would provide opportunity for presentation on Nigeria and its states, and networking with investors.
In addition to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello were Governor of Ebonyi state ,His Excellency David Umahi, Governor Kano state, His Excellency, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and Governor of Oyo state, His Excellency, Abiola Ajumobi. Also in attendance were Deputy Governor of Benue, Engr Benson Abounu and Ogun state Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga.
Jibrin Baba Ndace
