The Edo state Government and a Vietnamese company, Transformation Limited, recently entered into an agreement by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on rice production in the state.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, blamed the country’s dependence on food imports on policy inconsistency, adding that it had led to the under development of the agricultural sector.
Oshiomhole also expressed sadness that Nigeria was incapable of feeding its people in spite of the huge endowment in agricultural resources.
“Nigeria does not have any business importing food to feed its people. If anything, we ought to be able to export food to those countries that are not as blessed as Nigeria,” he said.
“For too long, inconsistent public policies in regard to agriculture has led to the importation of food into the country,” the governor added.
The governor, however, assured the company of adequate government incentives including land, security and political will to enable them to operationalise the agreement for mutual benefit.
“Having provided you with the necessary incentive of land, security and political backing to enable you carry out your business without interference, you should do everything to ensure that you reciprocate government’s gesture by immediately swinging into action,” he explained.
The governor also said he recognised the role of the private sector in the development of agriculture and assured the company of government’s protection.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Stephen Liney, said the partnership would engender food security and assist the government to create employment.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, signed on behalf of the government while Liney signed for the company. (NAN)
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