FCT’s agricultural programme gets $55.4m support
The FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat says the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) has committed about 55.4 million dollars to the development of Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) in the territory.
“In the first phase, the ISDB is investing a minimum of 55.47 million dollars in the FCT (SAPZ),’’ its Secretary, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar, told a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
“We are committed to making this a resounding success and shall provide the needed counterpart contribution to complement this investment,’’ he said.
“I am happy to note also that the Boards of the African Development Bank and the ISDB have approved the SAPZ project,’’ Abubakar added.
He said provision had been made in the 2022 budget for the procurement of 12 tractors for the six Area Councils in the territory to boost agriculture so as to ensure food security.
“If we are to make progress in agriculture, we have to go into mechanised farming,’’ he said.
Abubakar added that the FCT Administration would engage the Agro Rangers Squad of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to provide security for farmers in the territory against banditry.
He also told newsmen that the administration had banned the use of scrap tyres by butchers and abattoir operators to roast animals in view of its terrible health consequences on consumers.
The secretary, who described the practice as an embarrassment, pledged that officials would pay greater attention, especially this Yuletide period.
He said his team was also partnering with relevant agencies to ensure efficient waste disposal at the abattoirs.
“The issue of FCT abattoirs has become an embarrassment to the administration. We want to ensure that we do the needful by first ensuring that water is provided in the abattoirs round the clock.
“We want to ensure that abattoir wastes are well managed. The first approval will be on waste evacuation,’’ he said.
He said that the administration would also focus on animal husbandry and veterinary services and would ensure proper inspection of meat. (NAN)
