In support of the push to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector to ensure food security and economic resilience, Francis Meshioye, the president of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed the importance of the agricultural and manufacturing sectors in sustaining the economic stability of Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of the Agricultural Sector Working Group (ASWG) in Abuja, he urged that local consumption of agricultural products should be given priority before exportation of such products is considered.
Meshioye said, “Talking about food security, it means that there is no gap between our needs and what is available. It is just ideal that we fulfill our hunger needs; thereafter, you can give to others.
“You cook your food at home; you won’t give it out until you have actually been fed. So, it is the same thing. Food security is part of the agenda.
“It means you should be totally fulfilled, then you can give to others. The food we produce, we should make it available so that we can consume it. It will be unfair to produce palm oil, and you don’t have enough, yet you export palm oil.”
The MAN president noted that exporting raw agricultural materials deprives Nigeria of significant resources, which are often re-imported as finished products at higher costs.
According to him, focusing on local consumption would not only conserve resources but also stimulate domestic manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and enhance national security by engaging youth in productive activities.
“The government should remember that in its entire agenda, the manufacturing sector is crucial.
“In an actual sense, all sectors are important, but you cannot underestimate the importance of both the agricultural and manufacturing sectors; they are interwoven,” he added.
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