Agricultural export is a multibillion-dollar business and has the potential to attract $40bn into the Nigerian economy every year, according to stakeholders in the non-oil export sector.
Speaking during the OG2 Conference on Export Trade, the stakeholders maintained that agriculture had what it takes to save the economy.
In his keynote address, agribusiness strategist, Mr. Sotonye Anga, stressed the need to boost production and add value to Nigeria’s agricultural exports.
Speaking on the theme, “The multibillion-dollar business for non-oil sector in Nigeria,” Anga noted that activities in the agricultural sector had the potential to reduce hunger; create jobs and wealth; and enhance food security and economic development.
He said, “If we take agriculture seriously and deliberately build our capacity in production, processing and marketing of agricultural products, we can generate and earn $40bn annually as revenue.”
He canvassed greater focus on value addition to farm produce as opposed to exporting them in their raw state noting, “Exporters can earn more by adding value to farm produce. As agribusiness people, our wealth comes from growing the crops, selling them and everything in-between.”
The Managing Director, OG2 Tech Consult and Investment Limited, Godwin Okoh, who is the organiser of the conference, said his company had discovered a knowledge gap in the export business which it aimed to bridge.
He said, “Our aim is to bridge the gap by providing relevant information and skills to young entrepreneurs. The non-oil sector is very lucrative currently and we want people to have information about the potential of agribusiness and how to be agro-exporters.
“We want young entrepreneurs to know how to use the opportunities in the sector and how to make money from Nigeria’s numerous cash crops.”