The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) has been directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to set up agro-allied industries across the 36 states of the country.

The directive, according to Mariam Katagum, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, is in line with government’s efforts toward spiking economic growth, as well as attaining food security.

Revealing this while receiving delegates from the Amana Farmers and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria, the Minister said that the agro-allied industries will be established in each senatorial district of the federation.

She disclosed, “Mr. President has directed that in every senatorial district, we should establish an Agro-allied industry and we know some industries exist but you can assist us in identifying the agro-allied industries that will be suited for you.

“Federal Government would give necessary support towards the development of the cotton, textile, and garment sectors of the economy”.

The Minister alluded that the textile industries in the last few years had faced various challenges which had resulted in the closure of over 150 textile firms in Nigeria.

This, according to her, also led to the loss of over two million jobs across the country.

She however assured that the “Government is very much interested in growing the economy, looking at other areas like cotton, textile, garment, grains, tomatoes, we need to add value.”

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA