By AgroNigeria
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reiterated its commitment towards supporting the dairy industry in Nigeria through its collaborative effort with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
At a recent meeting with FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, a CBN Governor-led delegation of dairy products and agricultural investors, disclosed plans to establish processing plants across the capital territory.
The meeting also had in attendance playmakers of the dairy industry including delegates from Friesland Campina, Nestle, and L and Z Integrated Limited.
Governor of the CBN, Dr Godwin Emefiele, at the meeting expressed the desire of the CBN to help all states, including the FCT, attain food sufficiency and economic viability.
According to Emefiele, the Bank had already put in place, concerted efforts to achieve this goal.
In his reaction, Bello explained that the early times of his administration focused mainly on infrastructural development and strengthening other institutions within the FCTA.
The FCT minister expressed delight in the renewed resolve of his administration to develop other aspects of the capital territory including agriculture and economy.
Bello said, “During my first tenure, we concentrated on improving infrastructure within the city itself while also trying to improve on the institutional capacity of the various departments in the FCTA.
“I am pleased to say that we have reached some reasonable milestone where we are now happy with the system we have and we can now extend to other activities.
“And for us, agriculture development and also the encouragement of investors to the FCT, particularly to provide processing facilities, is the next step we are going into and you are coming at the right time”.
Bello further enunciated the economic benefits enjoyed by the FCT in terms of food sufficiency and strategic positioning for dairy production.
He, therefore, urged the CBN to take advantage of the opportunity as one of its contributions towards diversifying the Nigerian economy from crude oil dependence.
He added that the FCT would provide viable lands for the project.
To this end, a committee led by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijani Aliyu was inaugurated, for the sole purpose of working out viable and economically beneficial locations for the situation of the processing plants.
Reacting to this, Emefiele advised the ministry to monitor the land allocation process, adding that the apex bank would work on providing incentives that will make the businesses flourish to benefit the entire FCT population.
