Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, 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.
Governor Otti stated this on Wednesday, while receiving a delegation of the Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industrial Development Initiative (NAADI), led by its Director, Mr Felix Charles, at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The governor said Abia possessed potential in palm produce, cassava, leather works, fabrics, cocoa, rubber and cashew, and stressed that stronger processing systems were necessary to maximise economic value and create jobs.
He noted that the initiative aligns 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 beneficiary 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 very much for your visit and for considering us as a beneficiary”, the Governor said.
Earlier, the Director, NAADI, Mr Felix Charles, said 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.
Mr Felix said 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.
