Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has vowed to diversify the state’s economy by harnessing the huge potential in the agricultural sector to alleviate the economic hardships facing the citizens.
Governor Mutfwang made this pledge on Monday while receiving a delegation of the Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) in his residence at the Government House Little Rayfield Jos.
The SAPZ delegation, led by Alhaji Shuaibu Bello, the Nigeria Consortium Chairman and Principal Partner of AgTech Innovation Labs, is in the state for a feasibility study on identifying suitable communities where agricultural value chains can be enhanced to boost the state’s economy, generate revenue, and create wealth for the people.
Governor Mutfwang expressed his delight at the visit of the delegation and assured them of his administration’s full support and cooperation. He called for a united front devoid of political considerations in tackling the current economic challenges for the survival of the nation. He noted that the only way out of the economic downturn is to embrace and harness to the fullest the agricultural potential in the state.
He acknowledged that Plateau grows crops that have comparative advantages to the state, such as potatoes, tomatoes, maize, rice, strawberries, coffee, and ginger. He said his administration will work closely with the Nigeria Exports Promotion Commission to create value chains and export the state’s agricultural products to the world market.
The head of the delegation, Alhaji Shuaibu Bello, said the team visited stakeholders in Bassa, Shendam, Quanpan, Bokkos, and Mangu, where they met with agro-allied stakeholders for sustainable partnership.
He said they are determined to improve agricultural value chains in Plateau, which are capable of creating factories and industries with the aid of the World Bank and the Agricultural Development Bank. He said the exercise will improve the state’s economy, create employment, and increase internally generated revenue.
Gyang Bere,
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Executive Governor of Plateau State,
4th March, 2024.
