Economy
Dangote backbone of Nigeria’s agric sector — NAFN
Dangote backbone of Nigeria’s agric sector — NAFN
By Admin Nov. 22, 2023
The National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, NAFN, has described the Dangote Group as one of the major contributors to the development of agricultural sector in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2023 National Agricultural Show, the National Coordinator of the NAFN, Dr Samuel Negedu, described the Dangote Group as a colossus and the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector.
He said the company is building rice mills that will greatly support the Nigerian government in its drive towards achieving food security in the country, according to statement by Corporate Communication Unit of the Dangote Group on Wednesday.
He thanked the company and Alhaji Aliko Dangote for building what he described as the largest fertilizer plant in Africa.
“The Dangote Group is also the major sponsor of the ongoing 2023 National Agricultural Show,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the government has immediate and short-term plans for developing a standard framework for the ease of doing agricultural business in the country.
“Over time, agricultural shows have become veritable tools for showcasing the latest developments within the agricultural sector. It brings people together to network, to do business, and to give the public a glimpse into farming life. It also provides a hub for the farming and rural communities to meet, exchange ideas, and, above all, have a few days away from the farms”, the minister said.
The Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, urged stakeholders to invest massively in agriculture to transform Nigeria into a country for food security and value chain addition.
Speaking also, Chairman Board of Trustees of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN), Arch Kabiru Ibrahim said this year’s theme: Towards the Realization of Presidential Declaration of Emergency on Food Security, is apt.
He said the theme was, “chosen in recognition of the need for all stakeholders in Nigeria to work towards the actualization of the resolve of the administration of President Tinubu to address the challenges of food security.”
Arch Ibrahim who is also the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said that to scale up food security, there is a need to incentivize smallholder farmers (SHFs) through supports for seedlings.
About The Author
The Executive Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS), Dr Zaid Abubakar, says the consolidation of Area Tax Offices from 28 to 12 Revenue Service Centres was a strategic move to improve efficiency and oversight.
Abubakar disclosed this at the KIRS Annual Dinner and Awards Night in Kano, noting that the reform was complemented by the recruitment of over 100 new staff to sustain the Service’s transformation agenda.
He explained that the restructuring was part of broader measures that had boosted Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N74 billion in 2024 to N102 billion in 2025.
According to him, the Service had also introduced reforms in motor vehicle administration, including faster turnaround for number plate issuance, improved server uptime and deployment of mobile enforcement equipment.
On future plans, Abubakar announced the introduction of an Annual Development Levy of N2,000, with 50 per cent of collections retained at the community level to support grassroots development.
He added that permanent, state-of-the-art Area Offices would be established across the state to replace rented facilities, while integration with the Nigeria Revenue Service would enhance intelligence and data-driven decision-making.
The chairman said the Service was targeting N200 billion in IGR once full institutional autonomy was achieved, commending staff for their dedication and urging them to remain focused.
Speaking also, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Alhaji Musa Shanono, commended KIRS for its outstanding performance, describing the achievements as a testament to the agency’s professionalism in enhancing revenue generation.
Shanono lauded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his proactive development strides, highlighting his administration’s commitment to infrastructural expansion, social welfare programmes and economic empowerment initiatives.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Human Resource Services, Hajiya Fatima Ahmad, congratulated the awardees and expressed confidence that the recognition would inspire them to pursue the ambition of N200 billion in IGR.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event also featured award presentations to outstanding staff members in recognition of their exceptional performance.
About The Author
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kano have been urged to tap into Nigeria’s capital market as a strategic tool for wealth creation and business expansion.
Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), made the remarks in Kano on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ meeting themed ‘Unlocking Growth: Harnessing the Capital Market for SME Growth.’”
Kwairanga emphasised that access to capital market instruments could provide SMEs with the funding needed to scale operations and generate sustainable wealth.
The chairman noted that SMEs form the backbone of the Nigerian economy and have the potential to significantly contribute to national economic growth if properly supported.
He added that NGX has designed initiatives to make capital market participation more accessible to businesses across the country.
“Our aim is to engage prospective and listed companies in the NGX, helping them meet the necessary requirements to fully benefit from market opportunities.We want these SMEs to achieve great success, just like Dangote or BUA,” he said.
He highlighted the investment potential in the capital market, citing that last year, companies in the sector, particularly engineering firms, delivered returns exceeding 50 percent.
“Currently, our market has already returned over 30 percent, and we are confident of tripling last year’s performance,” he added.
Kwairanga also cited local success stories such as Jai’s Bank, a non-interest bank listed on the stock exchange. Its shares, initially priced at one unit, have risen to over ten units, illustrating the wealth creation potential of strategic investments.
Stressing the need to engage young people and women, Kwairanga said, “ 70 percent of our population is under 30. If we do not provide these opportunities, we risk producing untapped potential that could become a ‘time bomb’ for the future.” he explained.
About The Author
The Katsina State Statistician-General, Prof. Saifullahi Sani, has disbursed more than N20 million to students, Islamic preachers, and women groups in Matazu Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the event on Monday in Matazu, Sani said the gesture was part of his personal contribution toward supporting people in his constituency and improving their livelihood.
He explained that the assistance to more than 2,000 people was aimed at empowering the beneficiaries and easing economic hardship among vulnerable groups in the area.
According to the statistician-general, more than 114 students currently in second-class upper division across the local government area will receive N100,000 each as scholarships.
“The support will also be extended to members of the Gwagware Foundation media team, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other vulnerable individuals within the community,” he said.
Sani called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds, assuring them of his continued commitment to supporting the less privileged and promoting initiatives that would enhance the development of the area.
He also commended Gov. Dikko Radda for encouraging individuals and organisations to support the poor and contribute to community development.
Earlier, the APC Chairman in Matazu local government area, Mansur Aliyu, noted that the financial assistance would enable beneficiaries to establish small-scale businesses and become self-reliant.
He further urged wealthy individuals and elected representatives from the area to support poor families financially and contribute toward the rapid development of the community.
One of the beneficiaries, Samaila Sani, commended Sani for the gesture and assured that the funds would be used judiciously.
Similarly, Hadiza Maikudi, who spoke on behalf of women organisations in the area, said the support would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of many women and their families.
NAN
About The Author
KIRS consolidates Area Tax Offices, recruits 100 staff to drive reforms
Kano Celebrates Sheikh Almagili’s Legacy, Eyes Scholarship Partnership
Group demands full implementation of Katsina PWDs discrimination law
JUST IN: FG Declares Sallah Public Holiday
Rahma Saidu Apologizes to Kano Government, Lauds PCACC’s Work
Refinery: NNPC Ltd Targets Sustained Production with New Maintenance & Compliance Measures
-
General2 years ago
JUST IN: FG Declares Sallah Public Holiday
-
General1 year agoRahma Saidu Apologizes to Kano Government, Lauds PCACC’s Work
-
Economy2 years agoRefinery: NNPC Ltd Targets Sustained Production with New Maintenance & Compliance Measures
-
Agriculture1 year agoNew HJRBDA boss outlines ambitious agenda for agricultural growth, youth empowerment
-
News2 years agoChoose dialogue over protest, Kano groups urge youths
-
Agriculture1 year agoFG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on soil health card scheme
-
General2 years agoActionAid urges youths to harness digital technologies for development
-
Entertainment2 years agoPopular actor, Ali Nuhu appointed as MD Film Corporation