Feed Nigeria Summit 2021: Silvex International galvanizes private sector support on Agro-Industrial Park in Kano

…As Nigeria moves to strengthen foods systems in the post-COVID-19 era

Private sector players in the food industry have agreed to support the realization of the proposed first Agro-Industrial Park in Kano.

This was part of the decision reached at the just concluded 2021 Feed Nigeria Summit held in, Abuja.

Silvex International which is championing the project was among the critical stakeholders that participated in the Feed Nigeria Summit 2021 with the theme ”POST COVID-19: A Repaired Food System, Pathway to a Revived Economy”

According to a statement issued by the Chief Operating Officer, Silvex International Limited Abubakar Garba Ibrahim, the summit focused on the need to capitalize on the positive energy of the Nigerian agricultural sector to strengthen the nation’s overall Post Covid-19 economy.

‘’The event attracted key players from government and private sector to share knowledge on the best practices in showcasing their investment plans and implementation strategies to cushion the impact of the global pandemic in Nigeria,’’ said the statement.

Read Also:Africa has under-exploited potential for agricultural production globally.- Dantata

‘’It also focused on creating innovative actions to further the cause of programs culminated in identifying relevant areas of support and trigger effective collaboration and partnership conversation between public, private and social sectors.’’

In the meetings with African Development Bank and other private investors during the Feed Nigeria Summit 2021, Silvex International galvanized support for the proposed Agro-Industrial Park planned to be sited in Bunkure local government area of Kano which would be the first of its kind in Nigeria.

‘’The Project when completed, will serve as a one-stop-shop for all stakeholders working in the Agric value chains of the economy and has the potentials to create hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.’’

‘’Recalls that the Kano state Governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has given express approval for the establishment of the Agro-Industrial Park in June 2021 as part of the state’s contribution for achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria.’’

‘’While presenting the Agro-Industrial Park to the stakeholders, the Managing Director and CEO, Silvex International Limited Alh. Abubakar Usman Karfi said the project will be privately driven. He, therefore, sought supportive investments on the project from private sector players within and outside the country.

Read Also:WOFAN supports 2,400 women farmers in 3 states, FCT with modern agriculture equipment

” Kano has the strategic advantage as the leading hub for aggregation and trade of major agricultural commodities, it is a favourable investment destination with security and safety and connecting infrastructures such as electricity, road networks, rail line, dry port and government policy on ease of doing business”. Abubakar Karfi reiterated

‘’In his speech at the summit, President of the African Development Bank Prof. Akinwumi Adesina represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Industrialization Prof. Oyebanji Oyelaran-Adeyinka  agreed to partner with all stakeholders in supporting investment for the Agricultural sector in Nigeria.’’

‘’Silvex International engaged the apex regional bank along with other private investors, investment brokers and commercial banks to attract business partnership for the first Agro-Industrial Park in Nigeria.’’

‘’Prof. Oyebanji also hinted on the need for synergy between the Special Agro-Processing Zones (SAPZ) currently under construction by the bank and the planned Agro-Industrial Park based in Bunkure, Kano state.’’