From Magnus Eze, Abuja
The Federal Government on the recommendation of the presidential committee on ‘Ease of Doing Business,’ has dedicated the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal for agro exports, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has said.
Information from the ministry at the weekend showed that the move was to further reinforce the checks and balances on export of quality produce from Nigeria, for foreign exchange earnings and to strategically position the country on the global business scene.
According to the minister, “Very soon, a major infrastructure of the federal government, which has been idle for decades, will come alive again with productive economic activities. With the presidential order on dedication of ports for agro-export by the Ease of Doing Business Committee, my ministry has engaged the NPA in maximising the utility of facilities at the Ikorodu terminal for that purpose.”
Ogbeh urged Nigerians who were prepared to conform to standards and quality to come forward and avail themselves of the emerging opportunities in the agricultural export market.
The minister emphasised that they must align themselves with the reforms that government was currently spearheading in the sector, for the good of their business and for Nigeria’s pride of place in the global market.
Government had in line with its economic diversification agenda been evolving policy frameworks to reduce the rejection of agricultural produce originating from Nigeria while also strengthening the regulatory and inspection authorities.
