Agro-allied industry for each senatorial district- Minister

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum, has said the Federal Government will establish an agro-allied industry in each senatorial district in the country.

Katagum broke the news during a meeting with a delegation from the Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria (AFGSAN).  In a statement yesterday by the ministry’s Assistant Director, Press, Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, the minister of state said the industry would boost government’s effort to sustain food security and economic growth.

He explained that government was interested in growing the economy, looking at other areas, like cotton, textile, garment, grains and tomatoes, to add value to the economy.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that in every senatorial district, agro-allied industry should be established.

“We know some industries exist but you can assist us in identifying the agro allied industries that will be suited for you,” Katagum said.

The minister said the current border closure was a lesson and blessing to the country, adding that it showed that “we could produce what we needed to eat and even export”.

“My appeal is that there are critical lessons we learnt, let us not go back, let us continue with farming even if we find oil in any part of the country,” he added.