.… Stresses need for expansion of industrial capacity across value chain.
The Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency , Senator Kashim Shettima has commissioned Springfield Agro limited crops protection chemical plant, a member of Kewalram Chanrai Group, which deals with the provision of total farm solutions to the Agric sector of the Nigeria economy.
The Vice President who made this known during his address at the commissioning of the plant at Ewu-osi, Sagamu Ibadan expressway in Ogun state, stressed the need for the expansion of industrial capacity across value chain in order to guarantee food security in the country .
The Vice President, who was Represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, noted that the only way to achieve this was for the ambitious and committed private sector to complement policies put in place by Government with a view to redefining the trajectory of the nation’s economy.
He lamented that despite being a continent blessed with vast arable land and the potential to be the food basket of the world, Africa’s share of global manufacturing remains less than 2%, saying Nigeria has no excuse not to be at the forefront of reversing this reality, hence the need to create a more enabling environment where local firms can thrive, innovate and compete globally.
According to him ‘Our duty as a Government is to remove barriers and provide the necessary support for businesses.
Agriculture remains a cardinal priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and this resolve has inspired the quality and scale of programmes designed to support farmers in increasing their productivity and yield, Through research institutes, mechanisation schemes and cutting edge technology, our focus on food security is driven by unshakeable belief that Nigerians have no reason to grow hungry’
While saying the commissioning of the Agro Chemical plant aligns perfectly with federal government agenda to combat hunger and enhance national food security, he commended the Springfield Agro limited for investing heavily in Nigeria since it inception in 2004, the Vice President, explained that it strongly demonstrates resilience, foresight and commitment to the growth of Agricultural sector .
He maintained that President Tinubu led administration remains a reliable partner in every effort to transform the nation’s agricultural sector and it shall continue to operate an open door policy to support and encourage all stakeholders, particularly indigenous firms to produce locally .
Commending the Ogun state Government for creating an enabling environment for the companies to thrive, he urged other states to emulate the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in driving the country forward in food sufficiency alongside creating more Industrial expansion and Job creation for its citizenry
In his Remarks at The Commissioning, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said Springfield Agro, a subsidiary of the Kewalram Chanrai Group has made tremendous strides in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, providing total farm solutions, from seeds and fertilizers to tractors and post-harvest processing adding that Its expansion into manufacturing is a major step forward.
The Governor added that the presence of the Ogun State Government at the epoch making occasion future affirms his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for industries to flourish and thrive within the State, stressing that In Ogun State, Agriculture is a critical component of his governments economic development strategy.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, then revealed that the impact of Springfield Agro’s work extends beyond Ogun State, noting that as a key member of the Kewalram Chanrai Group under its Afriventure business unit, Springfield Agro has contributed significantly to agriculture and trade across Africa, including the export of agricultural commodities and investments in other essential sectors such as frozen fish and industrial chemicals.
Gov Abiodun then assured Springfield Agro and other investors in Ogun State of Governments continued commitment to strengthening its Ease of Doing Business framework, reiterating that it will continue to provide the infrastructure, policies, and incentives needed to encourage investments Such as the Springfield Agro Limited, which not only drive economic growth but also create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr NG Chanrai, said that the success of spring field in nigeria has given the company confidence to expand to other countries, adding that inline with the federal government policies on agriculture, the organisation is poised to producing quality products that meets the demand of the consumers.
While adding that all materials used for production are sorted locally with a view to patronising local manufacturers, he noted that Kewalram has provided over 4000 employment to people of the state.
