Nigeria has spent N98tn on the importation of food items in the last four years, Dr. Akunwimi Adesina, a ministerial nominee from Ogun State, has said.
The nominee was eventually okayed by the Senate on Wednesday. His screening was initially suspended as a result of non-submission of his documents to the Senate.
Answering questions on the economy and agriculture, Adesina, who is the Vice- President of the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa, lamented the nation’s dependence on imported food, saying that there was a need to reprioritise the agricultural sector.
He said in 2010 alone, Nigeria spent N635bn on wheat on importation, and N35tn rice.
According to him, N217bn was spent on sugar and N97bn on fish importation.
He told senators that with an enabling environment and policy framework, Nigeria could produce enough food for its populace and would also rank among one of the largest exporters of agricultural produce in the world.
Adesina noted that the rate of import had created a huge gap between export and import indices, making Nigeria an import-dependent nation.
He said Nigeria should make farming attractive, especially to the youths.
He said, “Agriculture is a practical business. Farmers don’t eat policy papers; farmers eat food. If we provide subsidies for farmers, they will produce commensurate output. If I am confirmed, I will work seriously in the interest of farmers.
“We need marketing institutes that would work for our farmers and not the kind we had in the past, which did not add value to farmers.
“We need a marketing institution that understands the value chain; that which understands the farmers and market situations. This marketing institution should be led by the private sector and would be able to provide information to farmers.”
According to him, while the United Nations recommends that 10 per cent of the budget should be spent on agriculture, the government currently spends only three per cent.
He added that although 0.8 per cent of the nation’s budget was spent on agricultural research, much of it is spent on wages, salaries and overheads.
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Nigeria spent N98tn on food importation in four years – Adesina
Nigeria spent N98tn on food importation in four years – Adesina
NigerianEye
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Thursday, July 14, 2011
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