By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
South South states – Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers – have received N333.2 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement economic projects in a region known for agriculture apart from oil.
Nigeria’s food basket is the North Central which produces the most grain (corn, wheat, millet, rice, beans, yam, et cetera) and spices (tomatoes, onion, pepper). It is followed by the South South (which produces palm oil, yam, cassava, et cetera).
India, which has a population more than five times that of Nigeria, does not import food. India is food sufficient, and has surplus, including tea, for export.
But, even with swathes of fertile land nationwide, Nigeria imports over $580 million worth of cassava by-products yearly.
That contributed to why external reserves dipped to $640 million in May, falling to $34.24 billion on May 28 from $34.88 billion on April 28.
These figures were released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), whose helmsman, Godwin Emefiele, disclosed in Porth Harcourt the N333.2 billion disbursed to the South South.
Emefiele spoke at the launch of Rivers Cassava Processing Company (RCPC) established to support improved production and processing of cassava into high quality flour, reported by PUNCH.
He said four South South states have already accessed N7.4 billion from the CBN to boost agricultural production.
He had earlier issued a statement urging governors to make their states more viable by investing more in agriculture, particularly crops in which they have a comparative advantage.
He explained that “the sum of N333.2 billion had been disbursed to various projects in the South South region covering activities in different economic sectors.
“About N7.436 billion had been accessed by four states in the South South region to open up more land for cultivation, create access roads to agricultural lands, and provide infrastructure among other support services in the region.
“These measures are helping to induce greater activity in the agricultural sector and are enabling the movement of goods from farm to factories, and to the markets.”
Federal collaboration with states
Agriculture Minister Muhammad Nanono promised that the ministry will supply free cassava seedlings to farmers in the South South, according to the statement.
And Emefiele insisted that the CBN would no longer support importation of items that could be produced locally.
He said the CBN would collaborate with Rivers and other states to develop agriculture and manufacturing in line with the CBN mandate of promoting economic growth.
He implored agencies at all levels of government to join hands to diversify the national economy and create an enabling environment for investment by firms such as RCPC.
He said land development is a major constraint to greater agricultural production in the South South due to its topography but added that the CBN has partnered with states in the zone under the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme.
River State Governor, Nyesom Wike, invited farmers and other interested individuals to key into the development programme of the state, particularly in agriculture.
Rivers is ready to divest its 80 per cent shareholding in RCPC to ensure its proper management, Wike said.
He urged youths to channel their energy towards productive sectors rather waiting for stipends.