Anambra, ABX, others begin $5.2bn agro-allied export to EU

Anambra State government and the partner, ABX World, a ‎Nigeria-based courier/cargo company, ‎in collaboration with Arik Air and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), have commenced agro-allied export to European countries.

The export, valued at over $5.2 billion annually, registers ‎Anambra State as leading the way through her commitment to agricultural programmes.

ABX World is a EU certified (EUC) cargo agent, ‎and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) “Authorised Cargo Agent.”

Speaking on the development, Afam Mbanefo, Anambra commissioner for Africa, said the state government’s priority for agricultural development was to eliminate poverty, enhance job creation and improve the internally generated revenue (IGR.

Mbanefo said the objective of Governor Willie Obiano administration was to become economically independent and buoyant, and reduce excess dependence on the Federal Government.

“As a people oriented administration, Governor Willie Obiano has always sought for ways to create security, create good road network, create night life; these are things that will get people involved, bring in investors and promote tourism. Now, the agro-allied export is another testament to the state government’s unrelenting efforts to ensure Anambra State farmers do not lack market to sell their products.

“It is very imperative to note that before commencing the exports, the farmers through their cooperative societies received training and certification.

“In other words, we are confident that these produce like pumpkin leaf (Ugu), and others will meet the market standard. As a government, we are happy about this new development which we are thankful to other facilitators like ABX World,” the commissioner said.

Confirming this to newsmen in Lagos, John Okakpu, ‎managing director/CEO, ABX World, said the gesture was capable of generating jobs, eliminating poverty and restoring investors’ confidence in the state.

Anambra State has become a trailblazer in the regard, Okakpu said, as, “different state governments in realisation of the dwindling oil revenue are now interested in the agro-allied exports, but Anambra State is leading the way through her serious commitment to agriculture in the state.”

He explained that the state was far ahead of other states in Nigeria in area of grassroot structure and technology deployment to aid farmers.

Ifeoma Okeke