The Federal Capital Territory Administration has adopted the federal government’s Ease of Doing Business Initiative to strengthen public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

Lawan Geidam, the mandate secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, stated this when the officials of Agribusiness Innovation International Limited (AGRICON) visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Geidam added that the secretariat was in talks with several private organisations as part of efforts to reposition the agricultural landscape of the territory.

He said the private sector had a crucial role in the quest for sustainable food and nutrition security in Abuja.

“The FCT Administration has keyed the into the ease of doing business initiated by the federal government to galvanise private sector investment in the socio-economic development of the country. 

“This is being achieved through the injection of funds and efficient ideas that will help to enhance the development of the nation and the capital city. The agricultural sector is expected to be a major beneficiary of this initiative,” Mr Geidam said.

He assured investors that the agricultural sector would receive the needed attention under the visionary leadership of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and the FCT minister of state, Mariya Mahmoud.

This, he said, would help to unlock the abundant potentials of the sector, not only to investors but also to the teeming population of Abuja, particularly in the provision of sustainable means of livelihood.

The mandate secretary recognised the contributions of AGRICON, which he said was adding value to the agricultural sector in the FCT. He expressed optimism that private sector investment would transform Abuja into a centre for agricultural innovation.

Maurice Ebo, AGRICON boss, lauded the FCTA for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Abuja.

Mr Ebo said the visit was to update the mandate secretary on the organisation’s activities and the impact on the farmers. He added that the visit was also to brief him on the upcoming 2024 AGRICON Fair and Expo, which would focus on oil palm production to benefit Abuja farmers.

He acknowledged the potential of public-private partnerships in driving progress in the agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of Abuja residents. 

(NAN)