Business
MAN Tasks FG On Loan, Power Supply
The Chairman of Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN), Senator Adawari Mac Pepple has reiterated the need for the Federal Government to support the manufacturing sector with loan facility as part of measures to mitigate the impact of Convid-19 pandemic on the sector.
The chairman who said this during the 6th annual general meeting held in Port Harcourt, noted that the Convid-19 pandemic had impacted negatively on the manufactures due to lack of access to raw materials.
He said that despite Federal Government’s claim of improved electricity supply, many organisations had shutdown due to lack of power supply.
According to him,” the moment they solve the problem of power, I can tell you the rest are secondary; the most is that there must be road infrastructure; there must be improved infrastructure, because my produced goods, cannot even be transported from trans-Amadi to Onne port. If I try it, my trailer and my goods will fall, which is not achievement. The fact is that there is no way the private sector will assume the responsibility of the public sector. We can not build roads; we cannot build rail lines”.
The highlight of the meeting was discussions on how the pandemic crisis on manufactures can be averted.
Members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria at 6th Annual General Meeting reasoned that lack of investment in the manufacturing sector had contributed to the rising cases of unemployment in the country, urging both federal and state governments to invest in the sector, as most of the manufactures are closing down to join politics.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and other stakeholders have charted path to improved organic agriculture practices nationwide.
At a 2024 national organic and agroecology business summit held recently in Abuja, stakeholders took turn to speak on the additional areas of promoting the practices.
The Mandate Secretary, FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Lawan Geidam, advocated for sustainable practice to develop resilient food systems that will benefit people.
The event, with the theme,”Towards Policies for Upscaling Organic Agroecological Businesses in Nigeria”, is aimed at fostering growth in the organic agriculture sector.
Geidam, who was represented by the Acting Director, Agric Services, in the Secretariat, Mr. Ofili Bennett, emphasised the success of organic and agroecological farming, reling on the active involvement of farmers, businesses and consumers.
He reassured attendees that the FCT Administration, led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the livelihood of residents.
Geidam described the partnership between the Secretariat and the organic and Agroecology initiative for a monthly exhibition and sale of organic products in the FCTA premises as a testament to this commitment.
“The ARDS remains committed to driving policies and initiatives that align with national goals and global standards”, Geidam said.
On her part, the Chairperson of Organic and Agroecology Initiative, Mrs. Janet Igho, urged residents to embrace healthy eating habits to sustain a good lifestyle. She stressed the importance of adopting organic practices, highlighting the benefits of going organic, growing organic and consuming organic products.
Igho expressed her optimism regarding the Agricultural Revival Programmes as articulated in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, which aims at fostering food and nutrition security.
She also extended her gratitude to ARDS for graciously allocating a space in the FCTA premises for the exhibition and sale of organic products, noting that the platform has been effectively used to advance the promotion of organic agriculture in FCT.
Igho outlined several benefits of organic agriculture which includes improved soil health, increased biodiversity, availability nutritious and healthy food and a reduced carbon footprint.
Stakeholders at the summit, underscored the critical need for enhanced private sector involvement and robust capacity building initiatives for farmers.
They highlighted the importance of implementing supportive policies to foster the growth of the organic agriculture sector.
In the light of the significant challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, stakeholders decided that organic agricultural practices present sustainable solutions and a pathway for a more resilient and productive farming systems.
The three-day summit featured exhibitions showcasing organic foods, fruits, vegetables and fertilizers, providing an opportunity for residents to better appreciate the benefits of production and consumption of organic agricultural products.
