Transformative Measures: House of Representatives’ Push to Amplify Yam Exports
In a decisive move towards fortifying Nigeria’s agricultural exports, the House of Representatives championed a resolution on Thursday calling upon the Federal Government to bolster yam tuber production through targeted incentives channelled via strategic collaborations with key entities such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Agriculture Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and commercial banks.
At the crux of this resolution lies the urgent call upon the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to conduct comprehensive policy reviews. The aim? To oversee and regulate the agencies responsible for steering Nigeria’s export landscape, thereby invigorating the nation’s exports and amplifying the yam production sector.
This pivotal House resolution arose from a motion jointly sponsored by Honourable Akume Regina, representing the Gboko Tarkaa Federal Constituency, and Honourable Adedayo Samuel Adesola of the APC, Lagos. Titled “Need to Formulate Policies that will Foster Exportation and Boost Yam Production in Benue State and Other Parts of Nigeria,” this motion resonates deeply with the critical need to fortify Nigeria’s export potential while nurturing the vibrant yam cultivation prevalent in Benue State and other regions across the country.
Akume underscored yam’s pivotal role as one of Nigeria’s staple food crops, highlighting its prevalence and economic significance in Benue State and beyond. She lamented the overreliance of yam producers on immediate consumption, a consequence of the absence of efficient storage systems guaranteeing sustained freshness and availability over prolonged periods.
Emphasizing the untapped potential for Nigeria’s earnings, external reserves, and value chain amplification through yam exportation, Akume expressed concern over the existing hurdles and bottlenecks imposed by regulatory agencies, inhibiting the flourishing of export-oriented businesses within the country.
The current scenario, as elucidated by Akume, presents a disheartening trend where export activities are conducted beyond the oversight of agencies designed to promote and regulate trade, prompting many exporters to seek more favourable business climates in neighbouring economies like Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and the Benin Republic.
Of profound significance, Akume shed light on Nigerian farmers’ pivotal role as primary suppliers of raw materials fueling the “Fresh Yam Produce in Ghana,” drawing attention to the consequential economic ripple effect.
In a proactive stance to address these challenges and harness Nigeria’s export potential, the House mandated its Committee on Commerce to summon key agencies, including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The objective? To glean insights and updates on initiatives aimed at galvanising Nigeria’s export ecosystem and invigorating the yam export domain.
This resolute motion by the House of Representatives stands as a beacon of hope for amplifying Nigeria’s agricultural exports, fostering sustainable economic growth, and fortifying the nation’s position within the global trade landscape.
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