OCP Africa held recent discussions with Akwa Ibom State in southeastern Nigeria in parallel with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), with a focus on strengthening agricultural collaboration.
The strategic discussion–convened at the invitation of the Akwa Ibom State Government and involving itself, the OCP Africa Nigeria team, and NSIA–was intended to examine the status of ongoing industrial projects and to increase agricultural partnership.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, expressed his sincere gratitude to OCP Africa for the various actions previously carried out in the region, noting that previous projects and initiatives had made a significant contribution to the economic and social development of the state.
The Akwa Ibom State Government also expressed its willingness to further strengthen this fruitful relationship.
During the meeting, the parties exchanged information on the progress of the ongoing industrial project in Akwa Ibom State, adding that significant progress had been made. While particular attention was paid to the development of the agricultural value chain, there was a particular focus on coconut oil.
The parties discussed the measures needed to establish a complete value chain, from production and processing to marketing.
Initiatives such as training for local farmers, access to quality agricultural inputs, and technical support were identified as key elements to ensuring the success of this initiative.
The parties agreed to explore other potential areas of cooperation, such as research and development, agricultural infrastructure, and the promotion of agricultural entrepreneurship in order to maximize mutual benefits.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with a firm commitment by all parties to continue their close collaboration, and to bring to fruition the economic and social development opportunities offered by ongoing industrial projects and collaboration in the field of agriculture.