The Federal Government has commended the state Governors for their commitment to the doctrine of change spearheaded by the President Muhammadu Buhari in development of Agric-value chain and the overall diversification of the economy by the administration.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh stated this while delivering the keynote address at the UK-Nigeria Agritech Trade and Investment Mission holding at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in the United Kingdom.

Ogbeh, who disclosed that a new Nigeria was being built by President Buhari, noted that the presence of some of the state Governors was a clear demonstration of their commitment to diversifying the economies of their states.

“A new Nigeria is being built. This New Nigeria is driven by a desire to do things differently – to be better and faster. President Muhammadu Buhari is focused on all-inclusive programmes and policies that take cognisance of diverse interest. To promote growth and include all – both the rich, young and old in productive enterprise.”

“The Governors are here not because they don’t have what to do, but because they belief in the doctrine of change spearheaded by President Muhammadu Buhari. They are here because they are serious about diversification of the economies of their states. ”

The Minister urged the British Government and other investors to take advantage of the opportunities in agric-value chain as well as enabling environment created by President Buhari administration to invest in Nigeria.

“It is time for investors in the UK to invest in Nigeria. Because the feeling is that you have been rather slow and laid back in investing in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The ease of doing business in Nigeria has not been an issue under President Muhammad Buhari because we have proved ourselves to be very competitive," Ogbeh said.

The Minister, who explained that President Buhari administration is working hard to ensure that Nigeria’s growing population is productive, urged the UK to partner with Nigeria’s in building a new future for Nigerians.

“We have the soil. We have the water. We have the will. This is why our Governors are here. We want you to partner with us in building a better future for our citizens."

The Minister said that despite the policy on the ease of doing business in Nigeria, further steps were being taken to guarantee investment in the country. He said Nigeria was ready to meet international best practice and standards in the agric-value chain.

The three-day event included meeting with African Business Council in the House of Commons, visits to sites focusing on animal health and targeting at states with livestock projects as well as the main summits were various sessions would provide opportunity for presentations on Nigeria and its states, and networking with investors.

Governor in attendance included Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, Engr David Umahi of Ebonyi State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, and Senator Abiola Ajumobi of Oyo State. Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr Benson Abounu and his Ogun State counterpart, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga.

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