NNDC, coy sign MoU on agric devt in North

From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

In line with the call by the Federal Government for diversification of the economy , the New Nigeria Development Company Limited (NNDC) has signed a strategic alliance agreement with Haske and Williams Limited to identify, develop and implement opportunities pertaining to agriculture in the northern region.
The Chairman of NNDC, Alhaji Bashir Mohamed Dalhatu disclosed this during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Kaduna yesterday.
According to him, this is answer to the President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s led administration call for reinvestment in the agricultural sector for massive employment generation and food production.
Alhaji Dalhatu added that the agreement is another significant milestone recorded by NNDC Ltd in its quest to develop agriculture in the region which is one of the major priority areas of its current Strategic Development Plan.
“It would be recalled that NNDC recently registered and promoted a commodity marketing company – the New Nigeria Commodity Marketing Company Limited (NNCMC) – which is an agricultural storage and marketing company.
“It also recently recapitalized NNIL Commercial Company Limited which is involved in the supply and marketing of agricultural implements and inputs, inter alia.
“With the signing of this Agreement, NNDC Ltd is now poised to commence real agricultural produce productions and developments,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman Haske and Williams Limited, Alhaji Abdullahi Bashir said it is very unfortunate that northern Nigeria has a vast area of land for agricultural usage but has not been put into use. He however said with the signing of the agreement the north is about to witness a revolution in the sector.
He added that agriculture is a venture for young people not old people as being insinuated, therefore the youth should take interest in participating in the sector.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of Haske and Williams Ltd, Mr. Oladipo Williams thanked NNDC for the trust repost on his organization.
He said his organization is a major player in the agricultural sector with integrated rice farm in Adamawa and Kwara States. He assured the management of NNDC of his company’s willingness to operate in line with the signed memorandum of understanding.