Lagos State Office of Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI) is developing industrialised and commercialised agricultural sector, thus joining Kano, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Bauchi, Benue and Delta states.
Permanent Secretary in Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nura Rimi, said the initiative is to ‘develop the non-oil sector by boosting production, encouraging value addition and export for increased foreign exchange, wealth and job creation’.
He added: “This will enhance manufacturing process to transform commodities to value-added state. The intention is to unlock the latent value in commodities for high premium and satisfaction of consumers.
“The initiative is focused on four components – Food and Beverages, Textile and Garments, Leather and leather products as well as Products Inspection Services – to ensure quality and standard. It also seeks to develop agro-industry by encouraging backward integration, import substitution, local patronage, industrial partnerships for growing agribusiness, such as low cost of raw materials, low cost of production and reduced costs of doing business.
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“As policy makers, we will create the enabling environment, facilitate linkages among stakeholders and ensure the required framework for sustainability of NAADI.
“We are interested because the programme will stimulate equity investment in critical sectors driving trade and export; diversify agro-industrial base; reduce dependence on imports; support youths and women in export supply chains, as well as raise exports of value-added goods and services.”
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described the initiative as ‘a testament to the government’s dedication to converting agricultural prowess into high-value products…’’
driving industrial growth, and ensuring economic stability’.
She said: “NAADI is carefully designed in alignment with the framework established by UNIDO’s African Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (3ADI), launched in March 2022. By adopting and localising this model, NAADI aims to modernise our traditional agricultural sector and foster a thriving agribusiness ecosystem.
“This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving food security, job creation, wealth generation, and sustainable economic growth.
The scope of NAADI is broad and inclusive, encompassing agro-based industries such as food and beverage manufacturing, textile and garment production, and leather products manufacturing. Furthermore, it extends to agro-allied industries, including agricultural input, agro-machinery, and livestock feeds manufacture. This diversity ensures that NAADI addresses various sectors, contributing to a robust and resilient agro-industrial base.
“Our objectives are clear and ambitious. We aim to diversify Lagos productive base, reduce import dependence, stimulate job creation, promote exports, and enhance the profitability of agribusiness and agro-industry investments. These goals align with our broader vision of economic transformation and self-reliance.
“NAADI’s target beneficiaries are wide-ranging, from small producers to large-scale enterprises, including both private and public service providers. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of this initiative permeate through various layers of our society, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and growth.
“The acquisition of this space and today’s formal opening ceremony, which will be followed up with training, has further confirmed the state’s readiness to use NAADI’s platform to bolster the development of agrobusiness and agro industrial development. It will also complement the giant strides already made in the area of capacity building on e-commerce for MSMEs in agribusiness value chain.”
