FG Receives Report On Export Reject, Task Private Sector On Investment

The Federal Government has received the Report of a Technical Committee it set up to prevent the rejection of agro-exports from the country by other countries.

Receiving the report in Abuja,
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo, while receiving the report noted that the recommendations would increase the export basket of agriculture commodities and foreign exchange earnings for the country.

Mr Adebayo said; “It is significant to state that the implementation of the Committee’s recommendations will increase the export basket of agricultural commodities and foreign exchange earnings for the country. It would therefore require a synergy between the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies and the Private Sector to yield these fruits.

“I am however convinced that beyond the strength of your recommendations, there is the need for adequate attention to their implementation. In this regard, I will ensure that the required political will of Government is met.

He enjoined the private sector to drive the recommendations while the government will provide a friendly environment.

“You all are aware that Government cannot do it alone, therefore the cooperation of the private sector and other non-State actors will be critical in achieving the objective for which your Committee was put in place. Suffice it to state that the recommendations of the Technical Committee are to be driven by the Private Sector with the Government providing the enabling environment, ” Adebayo said.

The Minister commended the members of the Committee for the time and efforts invested to complete the assignment.

He said; “With this singular act, you have demonstrated your capability to accomplish much within a very short space of time and I urge you to keep it up as more assignments will be coming your way in the implementation of the recommendations.”

The Chairman of the Committee and the Director of the Commodities and Export Department of the Ministry, Suleman Audu stated that the implementation of the recommendations resolve the perennial issue if export rejects

“It is our belief that the implementation of these recommendations will no doubt go a long way in resolving the issues be-devilling our agro-exports at the international market.

“At the end of its assignment the Committee noted major concern such as food safety, technical barrier, non-adherence to best practices and disregard to basic requirements as largely responsible for the rejection of our agro-exports abroad,” the Committee chairman stated.

Also speaking, the co-chair of the Committee, Captain John Okapku urged the federal government to allow the private sector to drive the economy while the former creates an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“It is relevant to suggest that the Government should as it has recently been doing, allow the private sector to focus on driving the economy with enablement from it. The Organized private sector is well positioned to raise funds to achieve such initiatives.

“The impact of all we are doing is to enable Nigeria carryout unhindered Agro Export activities. Thereby, fully participate in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement in order to reap the full benefits,” Okakpu said.

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