Agriculture can lead the way to rescuing Nigeria’s economy – PHCCIMA
The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) has identified agriculture as having the greatest potential to lead in the diversification of the Nigerian economy, thereby rescuing the country out of its present socio-economic downturn.
According to Emi Membere-Otaji, president, PHCCIMA, the above is only achievable through aggressive farming by Nigerians, with the government at all levels providing enabling environment to investors in agriculture.
This, he said, would provide the needed raw materials for the industries which will usher the diversification of various sectors of the economy, and thereby providing millions of jobs to the populace.
Membere-Otaji made the assertion when he led PHCCIMA executive and council members on a courtesy visit to Onimim Jack, commissioner for agriculture, Rivers Stae; urging government at all levels and the organised private sector to think outside-the-box at this time when oil prices are constantly on the fall, creating more challenges to Nigeria’s mono-economy of oil and gas, and resulting in huge unpaid invoices of jobs done, including imminent loss of employment in the sector.
The PHCCIMA boss congratulated the agric commissioner on her appointment, assuring her that the Agricultural and Allied Trade Group of the chamber is well positioned to partner with the state ministry of agriculture to harness the agricultural potentials of the state.
He disclosed the chamber’s decision to kick-start publication of a PHCCIMA quarterly magazine known as ‘Commerce Port Harcourt.’ The objective of the magazine according to him is to showcase the untapped agricultural and natural resources of the 23 LGAs of the state.
The PHCCIMA boss said the magazine is a non-profit business support and networking platform seeking to inform and inspire brands to maximize local and international opportunities; adding that the quarterly publication would provide vital information on stimulation of the local economy, highlight potentials inherent and woo investors to Rivers State.
He also assured the agric commissioner that fishing companies that fled the State to neighbouring states and country would be encouraged to return to provide enough fishes and employment to the people of the state.
The state agricultural commissioner, Jack re-affirmed the focus of the Rivers State government under Governor Nyesom Wike, on agriculture and agricultural investment, to provide food and make substantial cash as alternative to oil revenue.
She invited PHCCIMA members to partner with her ministry on schools pilot agricultural projects, giving assurances that her ministry would facilitate support in form of land allocation to PHCCIMA members who are interested in investing in commercial cultivation of arable farms located in strategic areas of the state.
The commissioner also sought PHCCIMA’s collaboration in privatization of state owned agricultural programs; stressing that government would not be involved in direct business, but would rather remain committed to providing conducive environment, land, and access to loans for genuine investors.
Meanwhile efforts geared towards creating value for PHCCIMA members by Emi Membere-Otaji led executive received another boost with appointment of PHCCIMA Agriculture and Allied Trade Group chairman as member of the Rivers State council on agriculture, by the commissioner.
BEN EGULZOZIE