NEPC set to boost agricultural export

The council is also seeking farmers’ inclusion in membership of the state committee on exportation.The Lagos zonal Controller of NEPC, Mr. George Enyiekpon, at a workshop organised by the council for All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)in Lagos to synergise on the identification and perfection of agricultural commodities to be supported and promoted in each […]

The council is also seeking farmers’ inclusion in membership of the state committee on exportation.
The Lagos zonal Controller of NEPC, Mr. George Enyiekpon, at a workshop organised by the council for All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)in Lagos to synergise on the identification and perfection of agricultural commodities to be supported and promoted in each state of the federation, said the sector remains a viable channel of quick economic diversification in Nigeria.
He said the dwindling revenue from oil has placed further responsibilities on the NEPC to promote increased contribution of non-oil exports to the economy.
This, he further said, could be largely achieved in agriculture and formed the council’s decision to put in place measures that can enhance capacity building among farmers.
He explained that NEPC is organising farmers as immediate collaborators to assist them in developing export potentials of their various geographical zones.
As the second line of defence for the Nigerian economy, the council is set to launch the ‘one state, one product’ development strategy to include the opening of smart offices in the various states and enlist the support of state governments on its implementation. It has therefore become imperative to commence the process with capacity building programme that will prepare the intended stakeholders for the novel project, he said, adding that the integrated capacity building programme is intended to prepare the stakeholders for the full implementation of the strategic plan to increase qualitative and quantitative products for non-oil exports.
The Chairman of AFAN, Lagos State chapter, Otunba Femi Okeý, expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of the farmers in the NEPC committee, adding that “at least for the recognition of the farmers for the first time in the economic affairs of the country is a welcome development.”