Abia partners NAADI on value addition, agribusiness expansion

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to industrialising agriculture, through value addition and processing, as the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (NAADI) moves to establish operations in the state.

…To train farmers, agro-processors, exporters, others

Governor Otti stated this while hosting NAADI, led by Felix Charles, its director, in his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

He however, noted that stronger processing systems were necessary to maximise economic value and create jobs.

He said that the initiative aligned with the policy direction of his administration, as captured in his manifesto, adding that many of NAADI’s objectives were already embedded in his development agenda for the state.

Governor Otti thanked the organisation for selecting Abia, as one of the benefitting states and assured the delegation of the state government’s readiness to collaborate with NAADI to strengthen agribusiness and industrial development in the state.

“If you look at our manifesto and the promises we made to our people, you will find that many of the things NAADI seeks to achieve have already been documented there.

“So, I want to thank you for your visit and for considering us, as a beneficiary,” the governor said.

Felix Charles, the director, NAADI,

said that the Federal Government-backed initiative, anchored by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, was designed to promote commercialised and profitable agricultural value chains across the country.

He explained that the initiative aligned with the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan and focused on accelerating economic diversification, employment generation, food security and wealth creation.

According to him, NAADI targets key agro-commodities, such as palm produce, cassava, cocoa and coffee, while promoting broader participation in local and international agribusiness markets.

Felix said that the initiative would train farmers, agro-processors and exporters on best practices in planting, harvesting, storage, packaging and labelling to improve product quality and competitiveness.

He further disclosed that the initiative would help bridge funding gaps affecting smallholder farmers, agro-processors and exporters, while encouraging both public and private sector investment in agribusiness.

Felix added that the programme had already been established in eight states, including Imo, Delta, Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, Benue and Akwa Ibom, noting that Abia would become the ninth state to domesticate and launch the initiative.

“The Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative in Abia State will serve as a catalyst for regional economic transformation,” he said.