The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo on Thursday in Abuja, inaugurated a 10-member Implementation Committee on Nigeria Agro Export Reject.
Adebayo tasked the committee to ensure effective implementation of report of the Technical Committee with recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges of rejection of agro-exports at the international market.
It would be recalled that in Sept. 16, the ministry received the report submitted by members of the Technical Committee.
“Suffice it to state that a number of activities have been outlined to implement the recommendations of the committee.
“And it is the task of the Implementation Committee to diligently ensure that they are properly articulated for the growth and development of the export sub-sector of the economy.
“As the assignment has reached a crucial stage, I wish to urge members of the committee to rededicate themselves so as to be able to accomplish this urgent national assignment in good time,” the minister said.
Adebayo listed the terms of reference of the committee to include to prepare budget for the committee’s activities and co-ordinate the activities connected with the implementation of the recommendations.
Members are also to engage in any other assignment that will facilitate the work of the committee.
He urged the members to consider themselves fortunate and worthy of the assignment.
The minister also tasked them to justify the confidence reposed in them by working as a team to realise the dream of stopping the rejection of Nigeria’s agro-commodities at the international market.
“It is my belief and expectation that at the end of your assignment, the agricultural subsector of the economy will be on the path to sustainable development, job creation and increased productivity.
“Therefore, it is my firm belief that this team, with its composition and the calibre of professionals on it, will implement the recommendations of the Technical Committee in record time,’’ the minister said.
Responding, Dr Ezra Yakusak, Chairman of the Implementation Committee and Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), thanked the minister for the confidence reposed in them.
He said that implementing the recommendations would provide lasting solutions to the numerous challenges bedevilling the development of the non-oil export sub-sector.
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Represented by Mrs Evelyn Obidike, Director Product Development in the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Ezra solicited the collaboration of all the members of the implementation committee to effectively carry out the assignment.
According to him, all hands must be on deck to ensure prompt and effective implementation of the committee’s recommendation as approved by the minister.
“Today’s event is a significant mile stone and a seamless implementation of the recommendations of the Technical Committee will no doubt provide lasting solutions to challenges of non-oil export, especially rejection at the international market.
“It is on this note that NEPC has accepted to chair the implementation committee,’’ he said.
Yakusak on behalf of the committee members pledged their commitment and loyalty to deliver on the assignment.
“Although the task ahead is daunting but not insurmountable and by the grace of God we shall deliver,’’ he said.
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