The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has reinforced the ministry’s commitment to local commerce in Kebbi State.
Mr. Edun, who said it is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to enhancing the economy also examined the challenges posed by natural disasters, which is said to have been affecting economic activities in the state.
According to the Ministry, Mr. Edun, who paid an official visit to the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, disclosed this when he inspected WACOT Rice Limited, ‘a state-of-the-art rice processing facility located in Argungu’ alongside the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
“With an impressive annual milling capacity of 120,000 metric tons, this facility plays a crucial role in supporting thousands of farmers through an extensive procurement network and 8000 strong out-grower farming programs. Its contributions are vital in boosting local rice production and driving economic growth in the region.
“In addition to the facility tour, the Honourable Minister visited a rice farm currently grappling with the adverse effects of ongoing flooding, which poses significant risks to agricultural productivity in the region,” the Ministry stated.
The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to mitigating the impact of the floods, emphasising the recent proactive measures facilitated by the National Economic Council (NEC) and Governor Idris, which allocated ₦3 billion each to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“These funds are aimed at combating, mitigating, and preparing for the effects of flooding during the 2024 rainy season, with a focus on supporting local farmers and safeguarding the agricultural sector,” he explained.
Minister Edun commended the “resilience and determination of the Kebbi State community under the able and effective leadership of the Executive Governor, highlighting President Tinubu’s steadfast dedication to enhancing security and boosting productive capacity across the region.”
He also urged continued investment from the private sector to further expand agricultural production and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leading agricultural producer on the global stage.
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