—As the Governor Assures On Counterpart Funding
The Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to accelerate agricultural development and agro-industrial processing in the state.
The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno made this known on Thursday when he received a delegation from the AfDB on a courtesy visit to Government House, Uyo.
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, said the partnership would support the state’s drive to strengthen agricultural value chain, create jobs and boost economic growth.
He commended the AfDB for its efforts in partnering governments across Africa to drive industrialisation and food production, noting that governments require the support of multilateral institutions to achieve sustainable growth.
“Permit me to appreciate the work that the African Development Bank is doing, going round to partner with governments to ensure that development as it relates to industrialisation, provision of food and other good things get to the states. Government cannot handle it alone. In every sector, government is always looking for capable agencies like yours to partner with. The government of Akwa Ibom State is ready to partner with AfDB and will provide all the support needed for the successful implementation of the project”, he said.
The Governor noted that his administration is committed to expanding opportunities in all parts and sectors of the State, particularly in rural communities where agriculture remains a major source of livelihood.
He emphasised that small-scale initiatives, when properly nurtured, can grow into major industries capable of transforming the state’s economy, while assuring that the government is ready to provide counterpart funding required for the proposed partnership with the Bank.
According to him, the collaboration with AfDB would help close the gap between farming and industry, particularly in areas such as oil palm and cassava processing, where the state has abundant raw materials.
“For example, Akwa Ibom State is blessed with oil palm which can be processed in mills established in the State for export, instead of selling the raw materials and causing capital flight.
“We are also blessed with abundant cassava and our mega farm modelled after the Songhai method will soon take off.
“What you are trying to do is bridge that gap so that the processing will take place here and the finished products will be ready for export,” he explained.
Earlier, the Principal Agro-Industrial Processing Officer of the African Development Bank, Dr. Bernard Onzima, said the delegation was in the state to conduct a pre-appraisal for the second phase of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme in Nigeria.
He explained that the programme, currently being implemented in several African countries, was designed to address challenges in agricultural value chains, particularly limited value addition and high post-harvest losses.
Onzima disclosed that the Bank has invested over one billion dollars in about ten countries under the programme and is considering eight additional Nigerian states, including Akwa Ibom, for the second phase of the initiative.
He added that the proposed second tranche is expected to attract about $350 million in financing, comprising $200 million from the African Development Bank and $150 million in co-financing from the Islamic Development Bank, while also requiring counterpart contributions from participating states.
Present during the visit were members of the State Executive Council, management staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Deputy Governor’s Office, as well as programme consultants and specialists.
