Follow Us on Google
Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has unveiled a comprehensive vision for the industrialisation of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, declaring that the country’s vast agricultural resources remain one of its greatest untapped economic assets capable of driving sustainable national development.
The former Senate Chief Whip said Nigeria must move beyond subsistence farming to a modern, industrialised agricultural system that creates value, generates employment, strengthens food security and stimulates economic growth.
In a statement outlining his vision for the sector, Senator Kalu stressed that agriculture, if supported by deliberate investments, sound leadership and the right policy framework, could become a major pillar of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He noted that the future of Nigeria’s agricultural sector lies not only in increasing food production but also in processing agricultural produce locally, expanding agro-industries and building a value chain that benefits farmers, entrepreneurs and rural communities.
According to him, industrialising agriculture would empower farmers with greater opportunities, reduce post-harvest losses, encourage local manufacturing, increase exports and create thousands of jobs, particularly for young Nigerians.
Other News
The lawmaker explained that his vision focuses on developing a modern agricultural ecosystem where production is complemented by processing, storage, transportation and marketing, thereby ensuring that more value is retained within the country’s economy.
He further advocated increased investment in critical infrastructure, support for agro-processing industries and policies that would encourage private sector participation across the agricultural value chain.
Senator Kalu maintained that shifting agriculture “from the farm to the factory” would significantly boost industrialisation, improve farmers’ incomes, enhance national food security and diversify Nigeria’s revenue base away from dependence on crude oil.
He added that developing a robust agricultural value chain would unlock Nigeria’s enormous agricultural potential while fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable prosperity for millions of Nigerians.
The former governor emphasised that agriculture remains a
strategic sector capable of transforming the nation’s economy if properly harnessed through innovation, industrialisation and value addition.
“A future where agriculture works for the people is a future of growth, prosperity, and progress,” the statement concluded.
