Eurobase Consult Group has called on the federal government to review the high import tariffs charged on agro-equipment to promote food security and agro-exports through mechanization.
The Group Chairman, Mr. Don Ekesiobi, speaking at a press briefing weekend in Abuja ahead of its planned ‘Special Agro-equipment and Technology Expo’, emphasized the need for a downward review to increase access to affordable mechanization by farmers at the grassroots.
Mr. Ekesiobi emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving food security and economic growth, stating: “We strategically align our programs and policies to make food available, affordable, and accessible while creating jobs and reducing poverty through agro mechanization and food processing.”
He urged the government to prioritize collaboration and streamline processes for purchasing agro equipment to enhance mechanization at the grassroots level.
“In other to boost sustainable agro production and food security, we carefully selected 10 among our foreign partners with good global impactful track records that can propel the development of the Nigerian agricultural business sector.
“Agricultural business is not just the business of government, though government is expected to create an enabling environment and some form of subsidy for food to be affordable to the poor, and that’s why as a private organization when Mr. President declared State of Emergency on food security in Nigeria, we strategically align our programs and policies in achieving the set objective which will not only make food available, affordable and accessible but create jobs and reduce poverty among women and youths through agro mechanization and food processing,” he said.
North Central coordinator, Hariratu Ladi Yakubu, who also wears the crown of the Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progress (NWAP) expressed optimism about the potential of mechanized equipment to boost efficiency and productivity among women farmers.
