BEVERLY HILLS, JULY 21, (THEWILL) – The National Economic Council (NEC) meeting with governors from the states and the Central Bank has discussed specific steps and actions to be taken as both the FG and state governments intensify focus on diversifying the Nigerian economy especially through agriculture.
The meeting, held on Thursday, was presided over by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, who welcomed the newly adopted Green Alternative endorsed on Wednesday by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The Green Alternative, which is the name of the Agricultural Diversification plan of the FG was presented to the NEC by Agriculture Minister, Chief Audu Ogbeh, with enthusiastic responses from the state governors.
The presentation noted that economic diversification must be taken with all commitment in view of the current harsh economic situation adding that agriculture needs to be seriously embarked upon by the government and all citizens with renewed vigor.
He revealed that the Anchor Borrowers Programme by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN will support millions of small-holders in rice production as the government seeks to raise rice milling capacity to 10 million paddy of rice annually.
Ogbeh added that government intends to meet target of 2018 in Rice Self-Sufficiency with support from states to put in quality control measures and intensify advocacy; provide extension services and intensify seed development and supply fertilizer.
States were also asked to identify their specific intension areas and targets regarding agriculture diversification so as to measure progress.
Story by David Oputah
